4 answers
Willie
Student
Southaven, Mississippi
2
Questions
Updated
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What kind of study habits do college students pick up?
I am interested in psychology and political science. Possibly double majoring depending on the school I attend.
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4 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Willie. One of the most important habits for college students is effective time management. With multiple classes, assignments, and exams happening simultaneously, it is essential to plan your schedule carefully and break larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks. Also, using a planner, calendar, or digital tools can help you keep track of deadlines and avoid leaving work until the last minute.
Another important habit is active reading and note-taking. In psychology and political science, you will read a lot of textbooks, research articles, and case studies. Instead of just reading passively, try to summarize the main ideas, highlight important points, and ask yourself questions about what you are learning. Taking notes in your own words helps you understand and remember the material better.
Class participation and discussion is another habit that helps college students succeed. Many courses involve discussions, debates, or group projects. Speaking up in class, asking questions, and joining study groups helps you understand the material more deeply and can also improve your communication skills.
Developing self-discipline and flexibility is also very important. In college, you are responsible for your own learning, so staying motivated and adjusting your strategies when something isn't working is crucial. Part of the process involves experimenting with different study methods and discovering what works best for you.
Developing these study habits early will help you succeed in college and prepare you for life after graduation. All the best.
Another important habit is active reading and note-taking. In psychology and political science, you will read a lot of textbooks, research articles, and case studies. Instead of just reading passively, try to summarize the main ideas, highlight important points, and ask yourself questions about what you are learning. Taking notes in your own words helps you understand and remember the material better.
Class participation and discussion is another habit that helps college students succeed. Many courses involve discussions, debates, or group projects. Speaking up in class, asking questions, and joining study groups helps you understand the material more deeply and can also improve your communication skills.
Developing self-discipline and flexibility is also very important. In college, you are responsible for your own learning, so staying motivated and adjusting your strategies when something isn't working is crucial. Part of the process involves experimenting with different study methods and discovering what works best for you.
Developing these study habits early will help you succeed in college and prepare you for life after graduation. All the best.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1185
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Willie,
It's wonderful that you're considering this before college begins, and that's a really intelligent question. Most students don't start college with strong study habits; instead, they develop them as they go along, particularly when juggling demanding disciplines like political science and psychology.
Active study, as opposed to passive reading, is one of the most important habits that college students acquire. Students begin summarizing information in their own words, teaching ideas aloud, making concept maps, or evaluating themselves with practice problems rather than repeatedly going over their notes. This is particularly useful in psychology, where it is more important to fully understand ideas and research techniques than to commit terminology to memory.
Planning ahead and setting aside time is another important habit. College students soon discover that it is ineffective to wait until the night before, particularly when there are several assignments, readings, and examinations due at the same time. A lot of students start setting out time for classes, studying, homework, and relaxation using weekly planners or digital calendars. Spreading out that work early becomes necessary because political science courses in particular require a lot of reading and writing.
Additionally, students gain more strategic reading skills. They skim first, pick out important points, concentrate on headings, and make focused notes rather than attempting to read every word. This ability saves a ton of time and lessens fatigue, particularly in fields that require a lot of reading, like psychology and political science.
Early resource use is another habit that emerges. Successful college students use tutoring facilities, attend office hours, join study groups, and raise problems in class; they don't wait until they're having difficulties. This is even more important if you're thinking about double majoring because handling the workload calls for accountability and help.
Students learn how to modify their study methods for each class in college. A political theory paper might not benefit from what works for a psychology exam. With practice tests and flashcards for exams, as well as outlines, drafts, and peer comments for writing projects, students get better at adapting over time.
Lastly, a lot of students discover the value of self-care and balance. Knowing when to relax, sleep, work out, and reset is more important for studying successfully than working continually. Performance is more negatively impacted by burnout than by breaks.
The good news is that you don't need to be "naturally" good at studying to adopt any of these behaviors. They develop from experience and practice. You can succeed in political science, psychology, or both if you're willing to modify your strategy and make use of support networks.
Best wishes!
It's wonderful that you're considering this before college begins, and that's a really intelligent question. Most students don't start college with strong study habits; instead, they develop them as they go along, particularly when juggling demanding disciplines like political science and psychology.
Active study, as opposed to passive reading, is one of the most important habits that college students acquire. Students begin summarizing information in their own words, teaching ideas aloud, making concept maps, or evaluating themselves with practice problems rather than repeatedly going over their notes. This is particularly useful in psychology, where it is more important to fully understand ideas and research techniques than to commit terminology to memory.
Planning ahead and setting aside time is another important habit. College students soon discover that it is ineffective to wait until the night before, particularly when there are several assignments, readings, and examinations due at the same time. A lot of students start setting out time for classes, studying, homework, and relaxation using weekly planners or digital calendars. Spreading out that work early becomes necessary because political science courses in particular require a lot of reading and writing.
Additionally, students gain more strategic reading skills. They skim first, pick out important points, concentrate on headings, and make focused notes rather than attempting to read every word. This ability saves a ton of time and lessens fatigue, particularly in fields that require a lot of reading, like psychology and political science.
Early resource use is another habit that emerges. Successful college students use tutoring facilities, attend office hours, join study groups, and raise problems in class; they don't wait until they're having difficulties. This is even more important if you're thinking about double majoring because handling the workload calls for accountability and help.
Students learn how to modify their study methods for each class in college. A political theory paper might not benefit from what works for a psychology exam. With practice tests and flashcards for exams, as well as outlines, drafts, and peer comments for writing projects, students get better at adapting over time.
Lastly, a lot of students discover the value of self-care and balance. Knowing when to relax, sleep, work out, and reset is more important for studying successfully than working continually. Performance is more negatively impacted by burnout than by breaks.
The good news is that you don't need to be "naturally" good at studying to adopt any of these behaviors. They develop from experience and practice. You can succeed in political science, psychology, or both if you're willing to modify your strategy and make use of support networks.
Best wishes!
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
224
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Hi Willie: Wong's answer is right on the nose. Generally I picked up bad study habits until a light went on in my brain and I got serious. Best thing, as Wong notes, time management. Study hard so you can play hard! Main thing, keep an open mind. college is suppose to introduce you to things you never experienced. Go in and learn and don't forget to have fun!
Diana Rodriguez Velasquez
Psychologist
54
Answers
Memphis, Tennessee
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hi Willie,
College students tend to develop study habits that are more intentional and self-directed compared to high school, especially when balancing multiple interests or majors.
Some common habits students pick up include:
• Active studying: Instead of rereading notes, many students shift to summarizing concepts in their own words, teaching the material to someone else, or using practice questions.
• Time blocking: Scheduling specific study times around classes, work, and personal commitments becomes essential.
• Prioritization skills: Students learn to identify which assignments require deeper focus versus lighter review.
• Note refinement: Reviewing and reorganizing notes shortly after class helps with long-term retention.
• Study environment awareness: College students often learn where and how they study best—library, group sessions, or solo study.
If you’re considering double majoring, developing these habits early will make the transition smoother and help prevent burnout. Flexibility and consistency tend to matter more than studying for long hours.
Wishing you success as you explore your academic interests!
College students tend to develop study habits that are more intentional and self-directed compared to high school, especially when balancing multiple interests or majors.
Some common habits students pick up include:
• Active studying: Instead of rereading notes, many students shift to summarizing concepts in their own words, teaching the material to someone else, or using practice questions.
• Time blocking: Scheduling specific study times around classes, work, and personal commitments becomes essential.
• Prioritization skills: Students learn to identify which assignments require deeper focus versus lighter review.
• Note refinement: Reviewing and reorganizing notes shortly after class helps with long-term retention.
• Study environment awareness: College students often learn where and how they study best—library, group sessions, or solo study.
If you’re considering double majoring, developing these habits early will make the transition smoother and help prevent burnout. Flexibility and consistency tend to matter more than studying for long hours.
Wishing you success as you explore your academic interests!