# data[].attributes.body
This site is really cool because it is a make up of helpful quotes from successful students. It credits the student and says what school or program they are in. Very interesting and HELPFUL!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Last month, IB World magazine spoke to teachers about how they maintain a healthy work-life balance. Now, we've asked IB Diploma Programme students how they divide their time between studies and a social life...

They say school years are the best years of your life. For IB students, it's a time when they make friends with people from all over the world and learn about how they can make a difference. It's also a time when they discover how to balance time pressures with mounting workloads, activities and life outside the classroom.

The IB Learner Profile encourages students to achieve balance. It helps them realize that by attaining balance in different aspects of their lives, they can achieve wellbeing for themselves and others. Below, past and present IB students share how they manage to strike a balance between school work and a social life.

"Schoolwork itself is integrated with social contact, and that promotes being a 'people's person'. Get together with your friends, help each other out and, once you're done with the necessary studies, go and enjoy yourself." - IB Diploma Programme student Akshat Thakur, The Heritage School, India.

"You have to keep everything in perspective. If you have an IA due as well as an internal mini test, for example, ask yourself: 'what is more important?' It's obviously the IA as the test you can always re-do. Don't stress about both because this will impact on your social life. Always prioritize the tasks you are given." - 2015 IB Diploma Programme graduate Megan Caldwell, Franconian International School, Germany.

"Thanks to the help of my IB coordinator, I managed to find a balance between my academics and extracurricular activities fairly quickly. We made an online colour-coded calendar, where I would add assignment due dates and the dates of other commitments. I then allocated a specific amount of time for each task, which helped me sort out everything I needed to do." - IB Diploma Programme student Gabrielle Drolet, Robert Bateman High School, Burlington, Ontario, Canada.

"I was not only a full IB Diploma Programme student, but also a varsity track athlete. I struck my balance by looking at track as my escape. This is what I would do to relax rather than spend extra time unwinding with what I would call 'empty activities'." - 2015 IB Diploma Programme graduate Jessica Alexander, Renaissance High School, Idaho, USA.

"To make reflections easy and have more time to do other things, every two weeks write a mini reflection; just a paragraph about the activities you have been doing and what you've been learning about. At the end of 12th Grade, or when you finish that activity, and it's time to write a large reflection, the many mini reflections can guide you." - 2015 IB Diploma Programme graduate Megan Caldwell, Franconian International School, Germany.

"Share the colour-coded calendar with your IB coordinator. Then they can regularly check in to help make sure you're not getting ahead of yourself, and that you're making time for social, as well as extracurricular activities" - IB Diploma Programme student Gabrielle Drolet, Robert Bateman High School, Burlington, Ontario, Canada.

"Hang out with your friends, but spend half of that time discussing doubts and projects and questions that are just too difficult. Algebra can only be defeated and tamed if you have enough manpower." - IB Diploma Programme student Akshat Thakur, The Heritage School, India.

"Support from friends who are going through the IB programme is important. As well as being able to socialize with them, they will continue to stay positive even when the programme seems too intense. I can honestly say I enjoyed the DP because I was able to stick to my my personal philosophy of always trying to improve myself mentally, physically, and spiritually, which made it much easier to strike a balance between my commitments." - 2015 IB Diploma Programme graduate Jessica Alexander, Renaissance High School, Idaho, USA.

"Spend CAS hours doing something you enjoy. This way, CAS doesn't seem to eat away at your free time and feel like an extra thing to stress about. For example, if you are going to study sports, join a sports club or help advertise for it; if you like business and think that is what you want to do, help on your school's newspaper or the advertising team. Doing something that relates to what you want to study at college or university enhances your personal statement, too. It shows you are truly passionate about that subject." - 2015 IB Diploma Programme graduate Megan Caldwell, Franconian International School, Germany.

"Each day has 24 hours. It's up to you how you utilize that time. It's enough to manage between school and social lives. An IB student needs to have the attribute of being "well-balanced". We should be well-rounded, and improve our strengths in all aspects. After all, the 21st-century world is ours for the taking"- IB Diploma Programme student Akshat Thakur, The Heritage School, India.

"If ever you become too overwhelmed with tasks, talk to teachers about it. They are very understanding and willing to extend due dates to meet student needs."- IB Diploma Programme student Gabrielle Drolet, Robert Bateman High School, Burlington, Ontario

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The ways students maintain a healthy study-life balance

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Last month, IB World magazine spoke to teachers about how they maintain a healthy work-life balance. Now, we've asked IB Diploma Programme students how they divide their time between studies and a social life... They say school years are the best years of your life.

# data[].attributes.body
I saved Balancing Act because it talks about how to balance work, school and family/social obligations which is something I struggle with. I plan to refer back to this site often in search of reminders.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
With a schedule of early-morning lectures, cramming in study time between classes, making it to work on time and still finding time for a social life, college students may be feeling the pressure to keep all their plates spinning at the same time.

Many students are working during college to support themselves financially, something experts say is like working two full-time jobs. A U.S. Census report determined that 71% of the nation's 19.7 million college undergraduates were working in 2011 and of that number, one in five undergrads were working at least 35 hours a week year-round.

Students attempting to balance school, work, and family/social obligations should evaluate the commitments in their life and discuss realistic goals with friends and family members to ensure that they will have the support and time needed to maximize their success, recommends Becky Takeda-Tinker, president of Colorado State University-Global Campus.

â€œBeing realistic and understanding what you as an individual need in order to be successful and fully engaged is crucial whether itâ€™s succeeding in school, personal, or professional arenas,â€ she says. â€œEffective time management is a transferable skill that is an important foundation for both academic and professional success.â€

To help students with time management and maintain their sanity, here are four expert tips for establishing a well-balanced system.
Step 1: Create a Calendar
Creating a calendar or schedule forces students to visualize their obligations, whether itâ€™s paper, a dry erase board, or on a smartphone app, says Nicolas Tynes, vice president of programs at Harlem Education Activities Fund (HEAF).

â€œSome people may need a physical calendar and the action of writing on a calendar will help them retain information better, a calendar thatâ€™s in their face that they can look at on a regular ongoing basis,â€ he says.

Being able to see a week or monthâ€™s worth of obligations can also help students manage their time better for larger tasks like big projects and final exams to avoid cramming the night before, adds Takeda-Tinker.

â€œPlacing specific dates and times on their calendar helps to emphasize that school is a priority and commitment and allows for planning ahead--it is also wise to work ahead whenever possible,â€ she says. â€œLife events and emergencies will arise, but staying on top of school work means there will be room to adjust when those things do happen."
Step 2: Know You Have to Prioritize
Students, just like everyone else only have 24 hours each day to fit everything in (no matter how many energy drinks they consume) so they have to create a list of priorities to decide what matters are urgent and which ones can wait, says Shawnice Meador, director of Career Management & Leadership Development for MBA@UNC.

â€œRemember that sometimes what is important to someone else is not necessarily as important to you at that moment; you may have to occasionally say â€˜noâ€™ in order to stay on track with your personal and professional goals and objectives,â€ she says.

Although students may need to work a certain amount of hours to support themselves, itâ€™s vital they donâ€™t spread themselves too thin. Working extra hours during time off from school can give students some flexibility if they have a semester with a larger academic load, says Linda Descano, president and CEO of Women & Co.

â€œIf youâ€™re going to have classes that are very intensive, [ask your supervisor to] lower your work hours during that semester or figure out how are you going to allocate some of the course work that youâ€™re doing so you can still have enough time for work, which may be critical to your financial health, but also that you have some time to take a deep breath,â€ she says.
Step 3: Learn How to Multi-Task
Finding ways to multi-task and combine commitments can help students best utilize their time, particularly if they are commuting to class or work, says Tynes.

â€œStudents can look at how theyâ€™re using all aspects of their dayâ€"during their commute are they using that time to also study? Are they using it to meditate, sleep, are they using it to do some pleasure reading or socialize with their friends?â€

Busy students should also seek out opportunities to merge their school, work and social lives by getting involved in professional organizations and attending networking events, school-sponsored lectures and professional development workshops, suggests Meador.

â€œ These events are often free or low cost, and can really be worth the time and investment,â€ she says.

â€œThe best part of these opportunities [is] spending time with old and new friends while expanding your network and learning more about your profession.â€
Step 4: Seek Out Support Resources
If students are feeling overwhelmed, talking to academic and/or student advisors, professors, a peer-based or professional resource on campus can shed some light on problems or issues.

â€œTalking to non-university people in their lives - like a well-organized co-worker - that seem to balance multiple commitments with ease can also be helpful,â€ says Takeda-Tinker. â€œCommunication is a key when questions, issues, obstacles or concerns arise so that students can access the necessary resources and partner with their school in strategies for success.â€

Seeking out assistance from upperclassmen in their specific major or field also gives students more tailored, relevant advice about their situation, suggests Descano.

â€œIt could be little: how people take notes, how they study, finding people who commute with you,â€ she says. â€œEven if youâ€™re feeling overwhelmed, just to talk to someone and not keep it all buried in, but leveraging your parents, your friends and your advisors and asking for help.â€

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Balancing Act: Tips for College Students to Best Manage their Time

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With a schedule of early-morning lectures, cramming in study time between classes, making it to work on time and still finding time for a social life, college students may be feeling the pressure to keep all their plates spinning at the same time.

# data[].attributes.body
Study tips and Study skills is a very simple site offering less information than some of the others I saved but does provide a good list of tips and skills I hope to incorporate into my study habits.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get the best free study tips and strategies that will help you to perform better on tests and achieve higher grades.

# data[].attributes.body
I originally added 22 Science-Backed Study Tips to Ace a Test because it claimed credibility just in the title. After reviewing the page I also found it very helpful and a fun site to explore.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Remember Your Stuff

1. Study when sleepy.

Bedtime stories are for kids. Instead of reading the Berenstain Bears, try studying for a few minutes right before hitting the hay. During sleep, the brain strengthens new memories, so there's a good chance we'll remember whatever we review right before dozing off. (Just try not to bring work into the actual bed, since it can make it harder to get a good night's sleep.)

2. Space it out.

A new learning technique called " spaced repetition" involves breaking up information into small chunks and reviewing them consistently over a long period of time. Synaptic evidence for the efficacy of spaced learning. Kramár EA, Babayan AH, Gavin CF. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2012, Mar.;109(13):1091-6490. So don't try to memorize the entire periodic table in one sitting-instead learn a few rows every day and review each lesson before starting anything new.

3. Tell a tale.

Turning the details you need to remember into a crazy story helps make the information more meaningful. For example, remember the order of mathematic operations PEMDAS this way: Philip (P) wanted to eat (E) his friend Mary (M) but he died (D) from arsenic (AS) poisoning.

4. Move around.

Research suggests studying the same stuff in a different place every day makes us less likely to forget that information. The effects of environmental context on recognition memory and claims of remembering. Hockley WE. Journal of experimental psychology. Learning, memory, and cognition, 2009, Feb.;34(6):0278-7393. Every time we move around (from the library to the coffee shop or the coffee shop to the toilet seat), we force the brain to form new associations with the same material so it becomes a stronger memory.

8. Make me wanna shout.

Reading information out loud means mentally storing it in two ways: seeing it and hearing it. When learning met memory. Macleod CM. Canadian journal of experimental psychology = Revue canadienne de psychologie expérimentale, 2011, May.;64(4):1878-7290." data-widget="linkref We just can't guarantee you won't get thrown out of the library.

Stay Focused

10. Treat yo'self!

A healthy holiday cookie, a walk around the block, five minutes on Twitter-whatever floats your boat. Knowing there's a little reward waiting for us at the end of just a few pages makes it easier to beat procrastination while slogging through a semester's worth of notes.

12. Take a time out.

Taking time to plan is one of the most important skills a student can have. Don't just start the week with the vague goal of studying for a history exam-instead, break up that goal into smaller tasks. Pencil it in on the calendar like a regular class: For example, allot every day from 1 to 3 p.m. to review 50 years' worth of info.

16. Own the omegas.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in certain fish, nuts, and olive oil, are known for their brain-boosting potential. One study found that eating a combination of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids before an exam reduced test anxiety.Mixture of essential fatty acids lowers test anxiety. Yehuda S, Rabinovitz S, Mostofsky DI. Nutritional neuroscience, 2006, Mar.;8(4):1028-415X." data-widget="linkref

When there's a textbook full of equations to memorize, it can be tempting to stay up all night committing them to memory (or trying to). But all-nighters rarely lead to an automatic A-in fact, they've been linked to impaired cognitive performance and greater sensitivity to stress.Circadian and wakefulness-sleep modulation of cognition in humans. Wright KP, Lowry CA, Lebourgeois MK. Frontiers in molecular neuroscience, 2012, Apr.;5():1662-5099." data-widget="linkref In the days leading up to a big exam, aim to get those seven to nine hours a night so sleep deprivation doesn't undo all the hard work you've put in.

21. Practice your brain pose.

Hardcore yogis tend to have better cognitive abilities-especially attention span-than folks less familiar with down dog. Long-term concentrative meditation and cognitive performance among older adults. Prakash R, Rastogi P, Dubey I. Neuropsychology, development, and cognition. Section B, Aging, neuropsychology and cognition, 2011, Dec.;19(4):1744-4128." data-widget="linkref A few daily sun salutations may be all it takes to keep centered during finals period.

22. Learn what works.

Some people are early birds, some are night owls; some prefer to study with a pal, others need complete and total silence. Experiment to find what's most effective for you, and then stick with it!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
22 Science-Backed Study Tips to Ace a Test

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
1. Study when sleepy. Bedtime stories are for kids. Instead of reading the Berenstain Bears, try studying for a few minutes right before hitting the hay. During sleep, the brain strengthens new memories, so there's a good chance we'll remember whatever we review right before dozing off.

# data[].attributes.body
The information I saved this site for is for stress management. I always like pros and cons and that is what Campus Mind Works did.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Many students find that they need to develop new skills in order to balance academic demands with a healthy lifestyle. Fortunately, the University of Michigan offers many resources to help students develop these skills. Many students find that they can reduce their level of academic stress by improving skills such as time management, stress management, and relaxation.

THE PROS AND CONS OF STRESS

Stress is anything that alters your natural balance. When stress is present, your body and your mind must attend to it in order to maintain balance. Your body reacts to stress by releasing hormones that help you cope with the situation. That in turn takes energy away from the other functions of your brain, like concentrating, or taking action. There are two different sources of stress: external triggers, like transitioning to college or your parents getting a divorce, and internal triggers, like placing high expectations on yourself.

Stress is a part of everyday life. There are many instances when stress can be helpful. A fire alarm is intended to cause the stress that alerts you to avoid danger. The stress created by a deadline to finish a paper can motivate you to finish the assignment on time. But when experienced in excess, stress has the opposite effect. It can harm our emotional and physical health, and limit our ability to function at home, in school, and within our relationships. The good news is that, since we are responsible for bringing about much of our own stress, we can also do much to manage stress by learning and practicing specific stress-reduction strategies.

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING TOO MUCH STRESS?

Here are a few common indicators:

Difficulty concentrating

Increased worrying

Trouble completing assignments on time

Not going to class

Short temper or increased agitation

Tension

Headaches

Tight muscles

Changes in eating habits (e.g., "stress eating")

Changes in sleeping habits

People with mental illness are more likely to notice that their specific symptoms re-emerge or grow worse during stressful times. In many cases, stress can act as the "spark" that ignites a mental health episode. But this does not mean that every time you are busy or face a difficult challenge you will have a mental health episode. Not everyone responds the same way to potentially stressful circumstances. For example, during final exams many students feel very overwhelmed and anxious, while others are able to keep their stress under control. If you, like many others, struggle with managing stress during difficult times, there are some helpful tips on this page that can help.

WAYS OF REDUCING AND MANAGING STRESS

Practice time management skills to manage your academic schedule, social activities, and making time for yourself.

Set and implement specific goals for yourself that will improve your mood and help you reduce stress. Start by filling out a goal-setting worksheet.

Avoid procrastination. Procrastination can create more mental and physical stress. If you have trouble staying on task, consider downloading apps that will help keep you off things that are distracting. To learn more about procrastination, click here.

Exercise- new organic URL needed regularly. Physical activity can help you burn off the energy generated by stress.

Practice good sleep habits - new organic URL needed to ensure that you are well-rested. Sleep deprivation can cause many physical and mental problems and can increase stress.

Try mindfulness meditation. Attend a guided meditation with Mindfulness@Umich

Limit (or eliminate) the use of stimulants like caffeine, which can elevate the stress response in your body.

Pace yourself throughout the day, taking regular breaks from work or other structured activities. During breaks from class, studying, or work, spend time walking outdoors, listen to music or just sit quietly, to clear and calm your mind.

Start a journal. Many people find journaling to be helpful for managing stress, understanding emotions, and making decisions and changes in their lives.

Realize that you have limits. Learn to work within your limits and set realistic expectations for yourself and others.

Plan leisure activities to break up your schedule. Click here for a list of fun things to do on campus.

Recognize the role your own thoughts can play in causing you distress. Challenge beliefs you may hold about yourself and your situation that may not be accurate. For example, do you continuously fall short of what you think you "should" accomplish? When our minds continuously feed us messages about what we "should" achieve, "ought" to be, or "mustn't" do, we are setting ourselves up to fall short of goals that may be unrealistic, and to experience stress along the way. Learn techniques for replacing unrealistic thoughts with realistic ones.

Find humor in your life. Laughter can be a great tension-reducer.

Seek the support of friends and family when you need to "vent" about situations that bring on stressful feelings. But make sure that you don't focus exclusively on negative experiences; try to also think of at least three things that are going well for you, and share those experiences.

Try setting a specific goal for yourself that will improve your mood and help you reduce stress. Start by filling out a goal-setting worksheet then help yourself stay on track by using your weekly motivator worksheet.

Relaxation Techniques
Research has shown that relaxation techniques are an effective way to reduce not only stress but many of the symptoms associated with mental illnesses. Try one or more of the following techniques for relaxing your mind and body and reducing the physical and psychological tension associated with stress. Take the time to experiment with these techniques to find out which ones work best for you.

Breathing Exercise: Place one hand on your abdomen right beneath your rib cage. Inhale slowly through your nose, drawing a deep breath into your lungs. Your chest should move only slightly, while your stomach rises, pushing your hand up. As you exhale, just let yourself go and imagine your entire body becoming loose and limp. It should take you twice as long to exhale as it does to inhale. Practice three times per day for two to three minutes. For more information and resources on this technique, click here.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Pay a "mental visit" to your muscles, stopping at each area of the body from head to toe (or toe to head), paying attention to individual areas where tension exists. As you pause at each area, tense and relax each muscle, trying to release unnecessary tension. Spend a few more minutes on those areas that seem to be holding the most tension. For more information and resources on this technique, click here.

Visual (Guided) Imagery: Imagine tension flowing out of your body from top to bottom. Visualize tension draining down your shoulders and arms and out through your fingertips into the air, down your thighs and legs, and out through the soles of your feet into the ground. It's also helpful to take a mental "vacation," imagining yourself in a pleasant, relaxing place such as on the beach or in the woods. This can be a place where you've been or a place you'd like to be. Take time to imagine the specific details of what you see, hear and feel in this place. For more information and resources on this technique, click here.

MINDFULNESS
❖ Mindfulness: Mindfulness is about noticing our thoughts, feelings or bodily sensations without judgment. It's a helpful tool in managing stress for those with a mental illness.

➢ Being Mindful of Everyday Activities. As a student, your life and your mind are often so busy that you forget to take notice of the everyday occurrences that keep your senses 'awake'. For example, as you walk across the Diag, you may be lost in thought while drinking a latte. You may not be aware of how you arrived at your destination or of the steam of the latte as you take a sip. Rather than allowing yourself to miss the moment, pause, take a breath and notice what you are experiencing. Your experiences may be pleasant and worth savoring. But even if they are unpleasant, you will be better able to cope if you face your experiences directly and strive to live "in the moment."

➢ How to practice Mindfulness through Meditation.

Find a comfortable position.

While focusing on your breathing, allow your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations to flow over you, entering and leaving your awareness at their own pace. Recognize each sensation, but then let it fade away, allowing the next thought or feeling to enter your mind. Continue to acknowledge each sensation, then let it go.

You will likely find that your mind is very busy with thoughts about all kinds of things - some pleasant, some unpleasant. Each time you notice that your mind has wandered, gently and without judgment shift your awareness back to your breath.

It can be most helpful to practice mindfulness for 30 minutes a day until you become comfortable with the technique.

The goal of mindfulness meditation is not to change your thoughts in any way, but simply to notice them and as best you can, continuously returning to your breath. Learning mindfulness meditation is similar to learning any new skill. There are an abundance of website and apps for guided meditations. Keep it simple. Be patient and kind with yourself. Do not expect that you will be able to "empty" your mind of thoughts and enter a state of deep relaxation. Try starting with ten minutes each day, setting a timer to see what happens. Remember that each moment is a new opportunity to begin. With practice, meditation can allow you to develop clarity in your thoughts and feelings, decrease your negative thoughts, and promote a sense of peacefulness and centeredness. You can also contact The University of Michigan Psychological Clinic for information on mindfulness-based cognitive group therapy for depression, which is an eight-week course developed to prevent depression relapse.

Check out a list of mental health apps recommended by the ADAA

Visit MiTalk to learn more about academic stress and maintaining balance

Wellness Coaching is a free 1:1 consultation focused on helping a student promote their own well-being and can help students find ways to manage stress

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Many students find that they need to develop new skills in order to balance academic demands with a healthy lifestyle. Fortunately, the University of Michigan offers many resources to help students develop these skills.

# data[].attributes.body
Youth Central was very easy to read. I liked the format of their advise. It was bullet form and didnt require lengthy reading. Small reminders without all the reading is helpful.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Study isn't just for the night before an assignment's due or the night before an exam.

It's never too early - or too late - to develop good study habits. The sooner you get into a good study groove, the easier everything will be and the more your chances of getting good marks will improve.

Here are our top tips for getting the most out of study.

1. Pick a place and time

Everyone has their own idea about the best place and time to study. Whether it's your bedroom at night or the library after school, find a study space and a regular study time that works for you and stick with it.

Set up your study space - Your study space should be quiet, comfortable and distraction-free. It should make you feel happy and inspired. Decorate it with your favourite pictures or objects. If you want to listen to music or burn incense, pick a space that lets you do that.

Find your best time - Some people work better in the morning. Others work better at night. Work out which time suits you and plan to study then. Don't study much later than your usual bedtime - pushing yourself late at night can make you too tired to study properly.

2. Study every day

If you study a little bit every day you'll be continually reviewing things in your mind. This helps you understand things. It also helps you avoid the stress of last-minute cramming.

Early in the year an hour or two a night might be enough to stay on top of things. Later in the year you might need to study more each day.

If you're finding it hard to find time to study, cut back on some (but not all!) of your other activities. Prioritising study might mean spending less time online, or it might mean cutting back on shifts at work, or giving weekend sport a miss for a while.

3. Plan your time

It helps to have some plans in motion so you can make the most of your study time.

Set alarms - Set alarms to remind you about your study plans. A regular reminder keeps you honest and your plans on track.

Use a wall planner - Stick a calendar or wall planner up so you can see it whenever you're studying. Mark it up with important dates, like exams and assignment due dates. Use it to block out your regular study timetable too.

Make to-do lists - Lists break tasks down into manageable chunks. At the start of the week, make a list of the things that you need to have done by the end of the week. Make a to-do list at the start of each study session too, so that you're clear about what you need to be doing with your time.

Set time limits - Before you start your study session, have a look at your to-do list and give yourself a set time to spend on each task. If you don't get something done in the set time, consider whether it's the best use of your time to keep going with it, or to start working on something else.

4. Discover your learning style

Most of us have a preferred way of learning. Get to know the learning style you're most comfortable with and study in the ways you learn best.

Note that these styles are just a way to think about diffent studying techniques - they're not hard and fast rules that say you should only study in one way. Try each of these out and see which ways you prefer.

Auditory learners prefer to learn by listening. Try reading your notes aloud and discussing them with other people. You might like to record key points and play them back.

Visual learners prefer to learn by seeing. Try using colours in your notes and draw diagrams to help represent key points. You could try to remember some ideas as images.

Tactile/kinesthetic learners prefer to learn by doing. Try using techniques like role-playing or building models to revise key points.

5. Review and revise

At least once a week you should go back over the things you've studied in class. Thinking things over can help you to understand the concepts and help you remember when you need them the most.

Quiz - Get a friend or family member to quiz you on key concepts. Offer to help your friends with their work too. Quizzes are great ways to get confident about what you know and find out what you still need to learn.

Make your own study materials - Think up some practice exam questions or create your own flash cards to help you study. This way you learn it all twice: once when you make the study materials and once when you use them to revise.

6. Take breaks

It's important to take breaks while you're studying, especially if you're feeling tired or frustrated. Working too long on a task can actually decrease your performance.

When you take a break, make sure you get away from your desk or study space. A bit of physical - even just a walk around the block - can sometimes help you to look at a problem in a different way and could even help you to solve it.

7. Ask for help

If you're stuck on something, or something just doesn't seem to make sense, you can always ask for help. Talk to your teachers or lecturers about the things you don't understand. Talk to your friends and fellow students too.

8. Stay motivated

When you're studying it helps to keep in mind your reasons for doing all this hard work, like a course or career you're working towards. It can help to have something in your study space to remind you of your goals.

You could also decorate your study space with inspirational quotes or photos of people you admire and family members you want to make proud of you.

9. App it up

There are heaps of apps out there for helping students with all aspects of study. Have a chat with your friends and teachers or lecturers to see which apps they recommend.

You should also check out the iTunes Collections page on iPads for Learning, which provides links to Australian Curriculum courses on iTunes U as well as educational apps aimed at high school, middle school and primary school students.

10. Look after yourself

You'll study better if you take care of yourself. Make sure you eat well and get enough sleep and physical exercise. Don't reward yourself with too many sugary or fatty snacks or push yourself to study late into the night. It's also a good idea to make sure you drink lots of water when you're studying.

Now come up with your own strategies

These tips are only some of the things you can do to get the most out of your studying. You might already have other things that work better for you. Find out what your friends do when they're studying. Maybe your teachers have some good recommendations too.

Whatever it is, whatever strategy you come up with, when you find something that works for you, put it into practise and go for it!

Links

If you've got an exam coming up you might also like to have a look at our Top Ten Exam Tips page. You should also check out the links below.

Ergo - Study Skills
The State Library of Victoria's Ergo website has a helpful range of studying tips and advice.

iPads for Learning - iTunes Collections
Links to collections of apps and iTunes U courses.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Study Tips | Study Techniques | Study Help | Youth Central

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Study isn't just for the night before an assignment's due or the night before an exam. It's never too early - or too late - to develop good study habits. The sooner you get into a good study groove, the easier everything will be and the more your chances of getting good marks will improve.

# data[].attributes.body
HowToStudy.org is one of my favorite sites I researched because it has so many different categories and helpful  documents for making the college life easier. Having such a broad spectrum of topics students face all on one site is great!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Study Skills | Howtostudy.org - When you hit the books - and they hit back.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When you hit the books - and they hit back! Offering a wide variety of helpful study skills resources for students of any grade level, organized by the process of studying and by subject.

# data[].attributes.body
Study Guide Zone is a site I found very helpful as it related to me as an adult learner. The experiences it talks about are things that I have encountered and proves very helpful solutions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Returning to the educational community as an adult brings a new set of challenges, expectations, and experiences. The culture that surrounds higher education has its own set of rules, principals, and even language. When an adult enters this community for the first time or returns to it after being out of school for a period of time, it can be a daunting experience. There are strategies aimed at helping adult learners in higher education. The term andragogy actually refers to the techniques and methods that help adults succeed in this distinct community.
First, the adult learner needs to review the expectations he or she has for the higher educational community, as well as understand the expectations higher education has for the adult learner. For example, there are very real differences between different types of institutions (undergraduate vs. graduate school, liberal arts schools vs. technical schools, two-year vs. four-year institutions), and it is important to be familiar with the expectations of the particular school and program. Along with understanding expectations, it helps to become familiar with the culture of higher education. Different disciplines and departments within the same educational community, for example, will have different expectations and cultures. Becoming familiar with them will help the adult learner on the journey to graduation.

Next, adult learners should recognize that they have a unique set of assets that younger students have yet to acquire. Adult learners are generally more self-reliant and self-motivated. They have many life experiences that they can draw upon as a resource. And they have intrinsic reasons for wanting to learn, which has been proven to be more effective than extrinsic motivations. Adult learners who have an open mind about higher education, instead of preconceived ideas about what it should or should not be, and those who choose to study content relevant to their lives, are more likely to succeed in higher education.

Once adults have enrolled in a program, it is extremely important to create a realistic schedule where blocks of time are set aside for the sole purpose of studying. Developing professional working relationships with instructors who can also serve as mentors will help adult learners track their progress, as well as allow them to potentially arrange for assignments and projects that are more relevant to their adult lives. Finally, higher educational facilities offer study centers where students can go for help. Taking full advantage of the programs offered by the center can only serve to enhance the education of the adult learner, as well as help place the student on the path to success.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Returning to the educational community as an adult brings a new set of challenges, expectations, and experiences. The culture that surrounds higher education has its own set of rules, principals, and even language. When an adult enters this community for the first time or returns to it after being out of school for a period [...]