Studying. It's usually something that we all have to do, and most of us don't particularly enjoy it. But it's really important, and finding a way that works for you can really make studying easier, and more beneficial.
As I've made my way through GCSEs, ALevels, BSc and my MSc, I've tried and tested many ways of studying! Some have been way more successful for me than others. I personally learn best from making mistakes and teaching other people. The best thing to do is always to find out the best method of studying for you, some people prefer flash cards, some prefer group presentations, so just try a few things to find what you like!
Here's a few good tips to get you started with studying smarter and more successfully!
📝 Have a designated space/time to study. This doesn't have to be a desk or office, it could be a space anywhere which for a small amount of time each day is designated for you to study. Especially check out study spaces at uni!
📝 Make studying interesting for you! Find the method that works for you and keeps you interested to absorb more
📝 If you need papers for your study, and don't have access/it costs to hire or buy the journal then ask around if anyone can help! My lecturer passed on several of his papers when I couldn't afford to buy the journal
📝 Explain what you've learnt to someone else. If you're able to repeat what you're studying to someone else it reinforces this into your memory, and it also helps with explaining scientific concepts in layman terms!
📝 Don't overload yourself! You'll not absorb anything if you're stressed or tired, so take breaks and don't push to stay up all night. Plan your time out so you know how much you need to do to avoid this
📝 If you like writing notes, highlight, bold, underline, draw diagrams, anything to make them stand out to you!
📝 Back up your written notes online. Writing notes a second time can make them sink in. For laboratory notebooks I'd really recommend using Benchling, it's a free online notebook where you can add projects, protocols, well plates, images with descriptions etc. It makes it easier to associate data to text!
📝 Make sure you know what you're taking notes for. I had some practical sessions where I had to know stains and what tissue parts they were staining, so I made a document of the stains, counter stains, secondary stain etc, and put them with a photo of tissue I'd stained down the microscope, as well as an image from the official NEQAS page
Always try a few things to make studying interesting for you, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you're struggling!
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