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Being an international student takes a lot of dedication and hard work. To thrive in a new educational system amid personal and academic duties, cultivate good study habits for a successful journey.
But that’s easier said than done, especially when you’re also navigating a new culture or facing language barriers. To help you stay on track, we’ve outlined key strategies to build study habits that can make a real difference in your student life in Canada.
Effective Study Habits
Good study habits are smart, consistent practices that help you learn better. They help you stay organized, manage your time effectively, and understand the material better, all of which contribute to improved academic performance.
In short, they’re your secret weapon for academic success. These study habits help you not only grasp and retain information more effectively but also make the entire learning process smoother and less stressful. This way, learning becomes less about cramming and more about genuine understanding and achievement.Â
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Tips for Creating Effective Study Habits
We all have different learning styles and preferences, so creating good study habits calls for self-discovery and experimentation. Here are some strategies to help you find what works best for you.
Identify Learning Preferences
Before anything else, figure out what methods work best for you. Think about the study methods you’ve tried before. For example, the last time you were learning English, what methods did you use?
Do you remember information better when you read it, hear it, or do something hands-on? Do you prefer reading textbooks, watching videos, or engaging in group discussions? Are you more partial to online or in-person learning?
Once you find out how you study and what methods you naturally gravitate toward, it’ll be much easier to create study strategies that help you learn more effectively. You can then tailor study techniques to your preferences as you complete your program.
Pro tip: Your learning preferences might change over time or vary depending on the subject! Stay open to trying new methods and adapting your study strategies as needed.
Set Clear Goals
When creating study habits, one of the most important things to consider is your goal. Without specific targets, it’s difficult to measure progress or stay motivated. How many times have you told yourself you’ll “study more” or “get better grades” without defining what that means?
When setting goals, follow the SMART Method: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timebound. So, instead of saying “I will study more,” try “I will study chemistry for two hours on Tuesday and Thursday.”
When you have clear and achievable goals, it’s easier to focus and stay on track. Just be sure that when you set goals, you commit to following through!
Create a Study Schedule
What are good study habits? They’re consistent. If you want to study smarter, you need to allocate time effectively, manage your workload, and avoid procrastination.
The way to do all of the above is to create a well-structured schedule that outlines your daily or weekly study commitments. It should:
- clearly define study blocks;
- include breaks;
- and be realistic about your time (if you’re working or have other commitments, take that into account)
The Pomodoro Technique can be a powerful tool to incorporate into your study schedule. This method involves breaking down your study time into focused intervals (usually 25 minutes) followed by short breaks. It helps improve concentration and prevents burnout.
Pro tip: Use calendar apps to schedule study sessions and receive notifications.
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Find Your Ideal Study Environment
Another must-have when creating study habits is a good study environment. Studying while on a bus is infinitely harder than studying in a library, right? The thing is, where you study can affect focus and productivity.
Studying in a quiet, well-lit space free from distractions is ideal for most people. So, if you’re studying at home, choose a quiet, comfortable space, free from distractions and interruptions. Consider using noise-cancelling headphones if necessary.
You can also find a spot in the library, a quiet café in the city you live in, or a designated study area on your campus or student residence.
Read more: Best Cafes to Study in Vancouver
Use Active Learning Techniques
Active learning means studying in a way that’s interactive, instead of just reading or listening passively. This promotes active engagement with the study material. Consider study strategies like:
- Summarizing information in your own words
- Teaching the lesson to someone else
- Doing role-play and interview
- Playing games and simulations (using apps can work too!)
- Creating study tools like flashcards or presentations
Review Regularly
The human brain is a creature of habit, so the more you do one thing, the better you get at it. This applies to studying as well. Instead of cramming in a single study session, review your class notes and materials regularly. In doing so, you’re essentially training your brain to remember the information.
Pro tip: Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals. The idea is to review information just before it’s about to be forgotten to reinforce the memory.
Practice Self-Care
While building effective study habits is important for international students, you shouldn’t forget to take care of your physical and mental health. Study skills are useless when you’re stressed, overwhelmed, or physically drained.
It’s okay to prioritize well-being, and it doesn’t mean you’re being lazy or unproductive. In fact, taking care of yourself will ultimately boost your productivity and academic performance.
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Seek Help When Needed
Study habits are great, but they’re not a magic bullet for every challenge you might face. There will be times when you encounter difficult subjects or concepts that you can’t grasp on your own—and that’s all right!
When that time comes, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Reach out to your professors, join study groups, or take advantage of tutoring services. Your school might even offer academic support centres where you can get extra help. Connecting with classmates can also provide different perspectives and explanations that might make more sense to you. Use your resources, and keep moving forward.
Build Good Study Habits at ILAC International College
Study habits are the secret weapons of successful students—and they’re easier to develop with the right support and resources. ILAC International College provides international students with more than just top-notch education. We also set you up for success with state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive student services.
ILAC International College’s campuses in Toronto and Vancouver are designed to enhance your learning experience. From quiet study rooms to collaborative workspaces and modern classrooms, you’ll find the perfect setting for focused and productive study sessions.
Plus, our awesome team is always here to cheer you on. Ready to ace your studies and make great friends? Apply now!