My study habits have changed significantly now that I'm a single mom. This is what works for me; obviously these tips will not work for everybody. Here are some things to possibly add to your repertoire of study skills if necessary!
1. Treat school like it's your job. Even if you don't have class until nine, be at school by 7:30. Even if you're finished with class at noon, bring your lunch and study until 5:30...or use whatever times seem feasible with your schedule. That way you won't have to feel guilty about spending time with the family at night when you get home.
2. Use textbooks only to solidify unclear information and as a reference for definitions, tables, pictures, etc. You don't have to read everything the professors tell you to read. It's a waste of time if you already know the information well. Go to the library to look up information that is still unclear after reading the text. You don't need to buy every resource available.
3. Make a schedule. Dedicate most of your study time to the review of information that you've already covered in class. Take a smaller portion of time to preview info for the following day (this can be done in an hour or so after the kids have gone to bed). To preview info I like to look ahead at the notes that the professors hand out for the following day. Sometimes this is enough to get an idea of what will be covered. Other times I will not be familiar with any of the info so I read a brief description of it in a USMLE review book for the topic. (FYI: this is one of the only times I would ever recommend a review book for a primary study tool.)
4. Pay attention during lectures and labs. Don't just go through the motions. Concentrate on comprehending the information. It will cut back significantly on the time you need to dedicate to learning the material outside of class. Write down questions you have about the material that come up during lecture. I like to do this in a different colored pen right next to the notes I take in lecture. This helps me remember the info when I have to recall it on an exam later.
5. Make flashcards as you go through and review your notes. If you have to memorize anything, put it on a flashcard. Sometimes all it takes is to write it once. Keep your flashcards handy so you can review them as you walk to class, eat lunch, or while you're stuck in a traffic jam. Once you have mastered a particular flashcard put it in a separate pile to be reviewed again right before the exam. That way you're not wasting time on info you've already learned.
6. Make time for exercise. If I can fit exercise into my schedule, anyone can. I very rarely have time to go to the gym. I get there twice a week most weeks. On the days that I can't get there I still get a cardio workout in. I turn on some music and get moving with my daughter in the evenings after the supper dishes are done. We rock out while we pick up all the toys, books, laundry, etc. I bought a little trampoline and we take turns jumping on it. We dance like fools (the crazier the moves the better). The only rule is that we can't stop moving and I can't think about anything else except having fun with my daughter for those 30 minutes. It really helps to clear my mind and get me revved up for the next three or four hours before bedtime.
7. Finally, make sure you get plently of sleep and eat nutritiously. Your body and mind will reward you by lasting through the study sessions without becoming fatigued.
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