5 answers
Adamaris
Student
Oxnard, California
1
Question
Updated
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What are some study habits that I should take with me to help me out during my 4 years at college so I don't have to struggle a lot as a first year?
I'm currently a high school student and going to a four-year college right after graduation. I was just wondering, do I have to be so hard on myself when it comes to studying and figuring out what type of study habits I want to use to help me out during my four years at college? Is there a right or wrong way of studying, or are there multiple ways?
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5 answers
Hemant Gupta
Software Engineer
13
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Hemant’s Answer
First off - no, you don’t need to be hard on yourself. College isn’t about perfection it’s about consistency, discovery, and growth. There isn’t one “right” way to study - what matters most is finding what works for you. But, here are a few habits that can set you up for success early:
A) Use active learning techniques
1. Don’t just re-read notes but, teach them out loud, quiz yourself, or create flashcards.
2. Tools like Pluralsight offer interactive learning, which is often more effective than passive note-taking, especially for tech and CS students.
B) Build a study schedule and stick to it
1. College is a marathon, not a sprint. Use a calendar to map out exams, assignments, and daily study time.
2. Try time-blocking your week, even if it's just 1-2 focused hours a day.
C) Prioritise understanding over memorisation
1. If you’re in majors like Computer Science, Engineering, or anything technical, platforms like Pluralsight are a game-changer.
2. Their skill paths and real-world examples can help you truly understand concepts, not just cram for tests.
D) Find your best learning style
1. Use diagrams and videos.
2. Use hands-on labs (like the ones on Pluralsight).
3. Try explaining concepts aloud or teaching a peer.
E) Don’t isolate yourself
1. Join study groups, go to office hours, or attend workshops.
2. If you're in a tech-related field, use Pluralsight to complement class material and go beyond what’s taught in lectures.
F) Learn how to learn
1. One of the most powerful habits is meta-learning - reflecting on what’s working, adjusting your approach, and staying flexible.
You don’t have to know exactly how you study best right away. Your first year is about exploring and refining. Keep experimenting, be kind to yourself, and use tools like Pluralsight to reinforce your learning outside the classroom at your own pace.
A) Use active learning techniques
1. Don’t just re-read notes but, teach them out loud, quiz yourself, or create flashcards.
2. Tools like Pluralsight offer interactive learning, which is often more effective than passive note-taking, especially for tech and CS students.
B) Build a study schedule and stick to it
1. College is a marathon, not a sprint. Use a calendar to map out exams, assignments, and daily study time.
2. Try time-blocking your week, even if it's just 1-2 focused hours a day.
C) Prioritise understanding over memorisation
1. If you’re in majors like Computer Science, Engineering, or anything technical, platforms like Pluralsight are a game-changer.
2. Their skill paths and real-world examples can help you truly understand concepts, not just cram for tests.
D) Find your best learning style
1. Use diagrams and videos.
2. Use hands-on labs (like the ones on Pluralsight).
3. Try explaining concepts aloud or teaching a peer.
E) Don’t isolate yourself
1. Join study groups, go to office hours, or attend workshops.
2. If you're in a tech-related field, use Pluralsight to complement class material and go beyond what’s taught in lectures.
F) Learn how to learn
1. One of the most powerful habits is meta-learning - reflecting on what’s working, adjusting your approach, and staying flexible.
You don’t have to know exactly how you study best right away. Your first year is about exploring and refining. Keep experimenting, be kind to yourself, and use tools like Pluralsight to reinforce your learning outside the classroom at your own pace.
Kelly C
Finance
6
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
1. Identify your learning style. Are you a visual learner or do you learn by doing? Use this to study efficiently.
2. Determine when you're most productive during the day. Schedule your intense study sessions at these times.
3. Join a study group. It keeps you accountable and enhances learning, especially when you teach others.
4. Take more classes in your Freshman and Sophomore years. This way, you'll have fewer credits to manage when classes get tougher in your Junior and Senior years.
2. Determine when you're most productive during the day. Schedule your intense study sessions at these times.
3. Join a study group. It keeps you accountable and enhances learning, especially when you teach others.
4. Take more classes in your Freshman and Sophomore years. This way, you'll have fewer credits to manage when classes get tougher in your Junior and Senior years.
Maria L Hernandez
Registered Nurse
1
Answer
Montclair, New Jersey
Updated
Maria L’s Answer
Hi,
Your first year should absolutely be about establishing your routine, finding the study method that works for you and avoiding the pressure and urge to "party all the time". The first year is quite literally the hardest to navigate but if you focus on the core habits above I mentioned, it won't feel so daunting because it puts YOU in control from the get go. Be serious about your goal because once the college years are over, these life skills will help you keep swimming, not sinking in the real wide world out there. Best of luck! You got this!!!
Your first year should absolutely be about establishing your routine, finding the study method that works for you and avoiding the pressure and urge to "party all the time". The first year is quite literally the hardest to navigate but if you focus on the core habits above I mentioned, it won't feel so daunting because it puts YOU in control from the get go. Be serious about your goal because once the college years are over, these life skills will help you keep swimming, not sinking in the real wide world out there. Best of luck! You got this!!!
Hi Maria, you mentioned finding an effective study method. Do you have any examples of different types of study methods? This might give the learner a place to start!
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Raisa Anan Mustakin
Writer
25
Answers
Dhaka, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh
Updated
Raisa Anan’s Answer
Hi Adamaris!
I hope the following tips help you:
1. The first couple of weeks of your first year will likely seem disorganized. This is normal because you are just starting a wholly different educational system. I suggest you read guidelines. Most universities' websites offer these guidelines. These could be in the form of handbooks for dorm information, class schedules, coursework submission rules etc. Familiarize yourself with the information.
2. Then comes studying. I highly suggest making a to-do list. It will help you to remind you which reading you need to complete, which task you have not yet finished etc.
3. Break down your readings into a certain number of pages allocated for every day. Don't try to read everything within the first week. Give yourself time, otherwise you'll be overwhelmed.
4. When you are starting to study something new for the first time, it will take some time to wholly grasp the concept. So, don't be impatient with yourself. Your brain is just taking a bit of time to process new information. Don't berate yourself if you don't understand instantly.
5. Try to do your best and, if you are not satisfied, you can always try to do better the next time.
I hope the following tips help you:
1. The first couple of weeks of your first year will likely seem disorganized. This is normal because you are just starting a wholly different educational system. I suggest you read guidelines. Most universities' websites offer these guidelines. These could be in the form of handbooks for dorm information, class schedules, coursework submission rules etc. Familiarize yourself with the information.
2. Then comes studying. I highly suggest making a to-do list. It will help you to remind you which reading you need to complete, which task you have not yet finished etc.
3. Break down your readings into a certain number of pages allocated for every day. Don't try to read everything within the first week. Give yourself time, otherwise you'll be overwhelmed.
4. When you are starting to study something new for the first time, it will take some time to wholly grasp the concept. So, don't be impatient with yourself. Your brain is just taking a bit of time to process new information. Don't berate yourself if you don't understand instantly.
5. Try to do your best and, if you are not satisfied, you can always try to do better the next time.
Connor Nicholson
Accounting
14
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Connor’s Answer
Developing strong study habits rooted in discipline is one of the most important things you can do to set yourself up for success in college. While there’s no single “right” way to study—everyone learns differently—what matters most is consistently staying on top of your assignments, managing your time well, and holding yourself accountable. College is a marathon, not a sprint, and building disciplined routines early on will help you avoid last-minute stress and allow you to truly absorb what you’re learning. By setting aside regular study times, breaking large tasks into manageable steps, and actively engaging with the material, you’ll find it easier to keep up with the workload and adapt your methods as you discover what works best for you. Remember, it’s normal to experiment with different techniques until you find your rhythm, but maintaining discipline and organization will be your foundation for thriving throughout your four years.
Find out what you can do to make studying fun, as funny as that may sound. Studying can be tough, but there are definitely things that can make it more fun, such as studying with friends, drinking a coffee while studying, or using interactive study tools to keep you engaged. There is so much you can do to make it more enjoyable for yourself!
Find out what you can do to make studying fun, as funny as that may sound. Studying can be tough, but there are definitely things that can make it more fun, such as studying with friends, drinking a coffee while studying, or using interactive study tools to keep you engaged. There is so much you can do to make it more enjoyable for yourself!