3 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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3 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.
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
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.