Study Tips

Best Study Tips for College and University Students

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After researching over 10+ Canadian universities to create the university guide series, I discovered many helpful resources for students. This helped me to create a list of the best study tips for university students. These resources are free and I only included the top study tips from each university. I included tons of relevant articles and downloadable PDF files so you can incorporate these techniques into your study routine immediately.

Wondering how to make the most of this article? Go to the key question section or go to your respective university to learn about the academic resources at your school.

Top online learning tips
Writing good study notes
Manage your stress and time
Useful educational apps
Read textbooks effectively
Memorize and concentrate better
Study tips for international students
Studying for midterms and exams
Staying motivated and procrastinate less

For each university, I also included academic workshop links to help you stay up-to-date on what is happening at your school.

Other useful university articles:

9 Quick Study Tips for University Students

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  1. Add structure to your day.
    • Have a morning wake-up routine, meal times, relaxation, creativity time, time for self-reflection, time to shut off and rest (check out the PDF from Concordia University here).
  2. Attend your professors’ virtual office hours.
    • I promise it will be worth your time (click here for more advice from the University of British Columbia).
  3. Look at the pre-lecture materials.
    • Even if you only have 10 minutes, quickly review what major topics will be covered.
  4. Find a study buddy or study group.
    • Connect virtually and test each other on the key concepts.
  5. Manage your social media distractions while studying.
    • This can include hiding your phone in a far location. The University of Waterloo suggests downloading apps to manage any social media distractions. To temporarily deactivate your social media sites use SelfControl for Mac and Cold Turkey for Windows. For all devices, you can use RescueTime or Freedom for mobiles.
  6. Ask for help.
    • Book an appointment with your academic advisor or student success coach. They can help you find the best study technique or how to manage your time better.
  7. Use the Pomodoro Method to help improve your concentration and motivation.
  8. Edit your notes daily and review your notes weekly (University of Guelph).
    • Review your summary notes and remember it’s about processing what you wrote (McMaster University).
  9. Don’t expect yourself to be perfect.
    • Keep trying new techniques until you find what works best.

Key Questions and Advice | Best Study Tips for University Students

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What are some top online learning tips?

How do I write good study notes?

What are some useful educational apps?

How do I manage my stress and time?

How do I read textbooks effectively?

How do I memorize and concentrate better?

How do I study for midterms and exams?

What are some study tips for international students?

How do I stay motivated and procrastinate less?

University of British Columbia

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Photo by Julia M Cameron on Pexels.com

Concordia University

  • Meet with a learning specialist at Concordia.
    • Log into your Moodle account and search for Virtual learning specialist Q&A Drop-In Sessions
  • Online workshops happening right now.
    • Topics include time management, learning and study skills, writing and research tips, exams and end-of-term, online learning and more.
  • Other articles on study tips from Concordia University here.
  • To read more about all the essential services at Concordia, check out the university survival guide here.

University of Guelph

McGill University

McMaster University

University of Ottawa

  • uOttawa Student Guide: Succeed in your studies, work experience, money tips, food places, getting involved and more.
  • Stay up to date on the latest campus activities which will include academic workshops.
  • University of Ottawa’s Study Hub:
    • You will find resources for concentrating better, preparing for exams, taking notes, managing stress, motivation, memorization, working in groups and how to manage your time.
  • To read more about all the essential services at Ottawa, check out the university survival guide here.

Ryerson University

University of Toronto

University of Waterloo

Western University

  • General learning advice from other UWO students here.
  • Academic workshops at Western University.
  • Skill-building handouts
    • Topics include key academic skills, time management strategies, fillable calendars, learning online, exam preparation, writing, and thinking skills.
  • To read more about all the essential services at Western, check out the university survival guide here.

Wilfrid Laurier University

York University

Summary | Best Study Tips for University Students

  1. Add structure to your day.
  2. Attend your professors’ virtual office hours.
  3. Look at the pre-lecture materials
  4. Find a study buddy or study group.
  5. Manage your social media distractions while studying.
  6. Ask for help.
  7. Use the Pomodoro Method to help improve your concentration and motivation.
  8. Edit your notes daily and review your notes weekly.
  9. Don’t expect yourself to be perfect.

University Survival Guides (Canadian Edition)

Are you attending one of the following universities below? Make sure to check out my university guides for a list of resources you need to know for each university.

I included free food location, cheap textbook alternatives, study space, career resources, and more.

  • University of Toronto Student Guide
  • McMaster University Student Guide
  • Ryerson University Student Guide
  • University of Guelph Student Guide
  • University of Ottawa Survival Guide
  • Concordia University Survival Guide
  • Western University Guide
  • Wilfrid Laurier Student Guide
  • McGill University Survival Guide
  • University of Waterloo Survival Guide

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