10 Ways to Help You Study Harder and Get Better Grades

Is there anything better than getting out of class and having the rest of your day free from homework and lectures? Not if you want good grades.

The sooner you start learning how to study hard as a student, the sooner you’ll be able to do all the fun stuff college offers, like hanging out with friends and going to parties!

Here are 10 tips to help you study harder and get better grades.

1) Do all your homework right after class

It’s a lot easier to get started on your homework if you do it right after class. If you wait, your brain will start thinking about other things, and it’ll be hard to stay focused.

Plus, if you do your homework in the evening, you won’t have time for anything else (like watching TV or hanging out with friends).

Make a list of all the things that you need to do: One way to avoid procrastinating is by making lists of all the things that need to get done.

That way you can cross them off as they’re done, which will make you feel accomplished!

2) Set a timer when studying

Start a timer when studying. Set it for 20 minutes, then start working on your assignment.

If you find that you can’t finish the work in those 20 minutes, then add five more minutes, but try not to exceed 30 minutes.

This will help you focus on the task at hand and not get distracted by all of the other things vying for your attention.

It also helps with the time management aspect because you know how much time is left to study.

It’s really easy to underestimate how long something takes, so this is a great way to stay focused and actually accomplish what needs done.

3) Reward yourself

School can be tough, but rewarding yourself with something small after a long day of studying is a great way to stay motivated.

Whether it’s reading a chapter in your favorite book, listening to some music or watching a TV show you’re hooked on, find what works for you.

It could even be as simple as taking a walk outside, going for a run or spending time with your pets.

Whatever gives you peace at the end of the day will help keep stress away during the next one!

4) Use flashcards

Flashcards are a great way to study on the go. Simply create a flashcard for each topic that you want to study, then quiz yourself on them when you have time.

The more you quiz yourself, the faster you’ll learn. It’s easy to use flashcards in between classes or while you’re waiting for your bus. They take up minimal space and they’re easily transportable

5) Go to the library (or anywhere quiet)

Find a place to study where you won’t be distracted. Getting your homework done isn’t just about the quality of the work, it’s also about the quantity.

If you’re not giving yourself enough time for studying, then you’re not going to get as much done.

Plus, if you need help understanding anything, there are librarians who will be able to point you in the right direction.

Read every night: Reading is good for all aspects of intelligence. The more reading you do in one sitting (whether it’s an hour or two), the better chance that what was learned will stick with you.

6) Sleep well before tests

It’s important to get a good night’s sleep before taking a test.

Studies show that students who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to do worse on tests because they can’t focus as well.

Make sure you’re getting at least eight hours of sleep every day in order to have the best chance of doing well on your test. Eat healthy:

A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is essential for brain health and optimal functioning.

Eating healthy will help your brain function at its best while studying, which will help you perform better on exams.

7) Take breaks while studying

Taking breaks can help you retain information more effectively. In between studying, try taking short walks or getting a snack.

Doing these things will help your brain process the information better and make it easier for you to remember in the future.

Make sure you are at a comfortable temperature while studying: It is important that you are not overheating or feeling cold while trying to concentrate on what you’re reading.

8) Stay positive

There are a lot of things that can make it difficult for you to get your work done, but don’t let them stop you from getting the grades you want.

Try focusing on what you do well, instead of all the things that are going wrong.

Take some time for yourself every day so you can maintain your sanity and make sure that when it comes time for school, your brain is ready to go.

Keep yourself hydrated with lots of water. The more water you drink, the more productive you will be in class or at home studying.

Drink plenty of green tea throughout the day for added mental clarity and improved concentration.

Give your eyes a break by closing them once in awhile or turning off the lights in order to give your eyes a rest from staring at screens or reading too long without taking any breaks.

9) Ask questions in class

Is there a question you are dying to ask your professor but are too nervous? Is there a math problem you’ve been working on for weeks that you can’t figure out how to solve? Well, if you have questions, ASK THEM.

Your professor is more than willing to help. I’ve had professors who were more than happy to talk about their research with me, even though it wasn’t in the scope of the course material, just because they want their students to be interested in their work.

10) Have short study sessions that allow you to stay engaged

Studying for long periods of time can be tiring and overwhelming. It is better to study for shorter periods with breaks in between so you can stay focused.

Taking a break will also help you retain the information you have just learned.

Plus, many times we are able to learn more when we take a break as opposed to staying on one task all day.

Reward yourself after studying: Take 10 minutes or even an hour out of your day (after completing a long study session) to do something that makes you happy.

Whether it is watching your favorite show, going for coffee, or doing something fun around your house, it’s important that you find something that refreshes and re-energizes you.