University has started (again), it’s been a long while since you’ve had to take in masses of information. So we’ve put together a few handy tips to get your mind operating again and absorb everything your course is throwing at you!
Create a perfect working environment.
Before you collate all of your research and notes, create a perfect work station. Clean your desk, clear off all of the clutter and personalize it to your tastes. You could add a framed picture of a quote to push yourself through your workload.
Also make sure you are sitting comfortably but are encouraging good posture by adjusting your desk and chair to be more tailored to you.
Prepare for your lectures
Before you head into a lecture, look up what it’s about and do your research. Most lectures will hand out outlines before it begins, so you will be able to look into the topics which will be covered. If you familiarize yourself with the content you will be able to focus and easily follow the information being fed to you.
Find the best seat in the house!
When entering the lecture hall, turn up a little bit early and find the best seat that suits you. The middle is usually favoured upon as you won’t be twisted to the side throughout. Make sure you also get to the front of the lecture as that way you will find yourself more engaged getting front and centre and within eye line of the lecturer.
Get a good night sleep
It’s an obvious one but definitely important. Without sleep it’s pretty hard to stay focused let alone adsorb information! So make sure you get into a routine by getting 7-9 hours sleep per night. You will wake up refreshed physically and mentally and ready to take on the day.
Stay healthy
A balanced diet and choosing the right brain foods are extremely helpful. Fatty fish which contains omega-3 is amazing for learning and memory, other foods brain foods are blueberries, coffee, turmeric, broccoli, pumpkin seed, dark chocolate and nuts.
Stay hydrated too! Drinking between intervals keeps you alert!
Make the best notes you can!
Use the type of notes that best fits you, if you are visual; use coloured sticky notes, draw images and diagrams to help you remember what you have learned.
Writing notes can be more helpful as it quickly records the information being lectured to you.
Get yourself a study buddy too when researching and collecting notes from different resources, it halves the work and you can test each other on what you have both learned.
Once you follow some of these key tips, you’ll be back hitting the books like a pro in no time!