University of Georgia

College-level learning requires more than spending long hours reviewing material. Effective studying involves using strategies that help you understand, remember, and apply information. This page provides evidence-based approaches to help you make the most of your study time, stay focused, and build habits that support academic success.

Study Cycle: A System for Success

Successful students do more than attend class and review before exams. They use a consistent cycle that helps them engage with material, check their understanding, and adjust their approach. The Study Cycle, adapted from Frank Christ’s PLRS system by the LSU Center for Academic Success and discussed by Saundra McGuire in her book Teach Yourself How to Learn, is a guide to help you build effective studying into your everyday life.

Step 1: Preview Before Class

Before class, briefly review assigned readings, previous notes, or upcoming topics. Even if you only take a minute or two before class starts, previewing will help you identify important concepts and prepare your brain to engage with new information.

Step 2: Attend and Engage During Class

Active participation improves understanding and retention. Take meaningful notes, ask questions, connect new information to what you already know, and participate in class activities.

Step 3: Review Notes Soon After Class

Within 24 hours, revisit your notes while the material is still fresh. Clarify confusing concepts, identify questions, and summarize the main ideas. Try using the Note Review Worksheet.pdf for a more in-depth review.

Step 4: Study Actively

Move beyond rereading by practicing retrieval, solving problems, explaining concepts, and applying what you have learned. Look for examples in our Study Smarter section below.

Step 5: Assess Your Understanding

Regularly test yourself and identify areas that need more attention. Adjust your study strategies based on what you know and what you still need to learn. After an exam complete the EXAM REFLECTION GUIDE PDF to identify areas of success and potential ways to improve.

Read Efficiently

College reading often requires students to process large amounts of information. Effective readers do not simply read faster; they read with purpose.

Before Reading: Preview

Look at headings, learning objectives, summaries, figures, and key terms before beginning. Identify what you should focus on while reading.

During Reading: Engage

Avoid passively moving through the text. Ask questions, make connections, summarize sections in your own words, and identify important concepts.

After Reading: Check Understanding

Pause and reflect:

  • What are the main ideas?
  • What evidence supports these ideas?
  • Could I explain this concept without looking back?

Strategies to Include:

Downloadable Resource

Study Smarter

Different types of learning require different approaches. The best students choose strategies based on what they need to understand or accomplish.

To Remember Information

Use:

  • Active recall
  • Flashcards
  • Practice quizzes
  • Teaching concepts aloud

To Understand Complex Concepts

Use:

  • CONCEPT MAPPING PDF
  • Summarizing in your own words
  • Explaining connections between ideas
  • Study groups
    • try a Study Pod led by a Peer Tutor or Peer Accountability Group led by a Peer Academic Coach

To Apply Knowledge

Use:

  • Practice problems
  • Case studies
  • Practice exams
  • Creating your own examples

To Prepare for Exams

Use:

  • Spaced practice
  • Mixed practice
  • Exam-style questions
  • Reviewing mistakes

Downloadable Resource

Build Your Focus

Focus is a skill that can be strengthened. Creating the right conditions for studying can help you work more efficiently.

Create a Focused Environment

Before beginning:

  • Choose a location that supports concentration.
  • Remove unnecessary distractions.
  • Put your phone away or use focus settings.
  • Gather everything you need before starting

Use Focused Study Sessions

Rather than studying until you are exhausted, work in intentional blocks of time.
Try:

  • The Pomodoro Method
    Study for 25–50 minutes, then take a short break.
  • Time Blocking
    Schedule specific times for studying and treat them like appointments. Open time between classes when you are already on campus can be a great time to focus.
  • Focused Goals
    Start each session by identifying exactly what you want to accomplish.
  • Focus Apps
    Many apps can help you maintain your focus while studying.
    Focus Friend: a cozy gamified focus timer app
    Cold Turkey: a desktop app that blocks distracting websites and apps
    Forest: a Pomodoro-style timer that grows virtual trees while you stay off your phone

Downloadable Resource

Plan Your Time

High-achieving students often balance academics, work, leadership, research, and personal commitments. Effective studying requires planning.

Strategies:

  • Schedule study time before your week becomes busy.
  • Break large assignments into smaller tasks.
  • Prioritize high-impact activities.
  • Avoid relying on motivation and create routines.
  • Protect time for rest and recovery

Downloadable Resource

Use Study Groups Effectively

Collaborative learning can strengthen understanding when used effectively.

Study groups work best when students:

  • Come prepared
  • Teach concepts to each other
  • Compare approaches
  • Ask questions
  • Avoid simply dividing up material
    Remember: studying with others should enhance your learning, not replace individual preparation.

Additional Resources

  • Note-Taking Skills
  • Test-Taking Strategies
  • Academic Stress Management
  • Academic Coaching
  • Peer Tutoring