8 Tips for Keeping Grades Up

Going to university is one of the most exciting times of your life – you get to meet new people, visit new places, and experience new things. The thrill that comes with the newness of it all can sometimes make you forget about your ultimate goal – which is to do well in class.

If you’re running behind in class, here are things you can do to improve your grades and become a better student.

Participate in class.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions and participate in the discussions. This will help you understand the material better, and will retain it in your memory for a lot longer.

Manage time wisely.

The best approach for an upcoming exam is to divide and conquer. Divide topics into manageable chunks, and start your review ahead of time. This way, you’ll avoid sleepless nights and all-nighters.

Arrange your room.

Did you know that you can make your Laurier student housing apartment conducive for studying? For starters, there should be a clear separation between your sleeping area and study area. If possible, place your desk away from the bed so you won’t be tempted to lounge in between bouts of studying.

Set your desk up for success.

If you spend a long time in front of a computer, set up good lighting in your study nook so you won’t end up squinting at your notes. Buy an ergonomic chair and your back will thank you.

Declutter your desk, get rid of distractions, and remove notifications from your phone. Invest in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones to block out distracting noise.

Implement a study system.

In order to make the most of your studies, you can implement a productivity system. The most famous one is the Pomodoro method, where for each Pomodoro, you study for 25 minutes and take a break for 5 or 10. After 4 Pomodoros, you can take a longer break of 20 to 30 minutes.

Another system for procrastinators is called Don’t Break the Chain. For this one, the concept is really simple: for each day you devote a time to study, you get to mark it off in your calendar or planner. The goal here is you don’t break the chain.

Use learning aids.

Learning aids have a huge impact on how you digest and retain information. Enhance your learning process by using visual aids like notebooks, highlighters, flashcards, and mindmaps.

Join a study group.

Studying on your own can be boring. With no one to check on you, a study session can quickly turn into a Netflix binge or an afternoon nap. Joining a group study means there will be a set time for you to hit the books, and supportive people to hold you accountable.

Get to know your professors better.

Take advantage of their office hours to clarify something you didn’t understand in class. Let them know if you’re struggling and they will help you catch up with the rest of the class. By the end of the semester, you could end up with a great mentor or a glowing recommendation.