Effective Studying

Whether you are in your first university course or working on your doctoral dissertation, the library can help you develop skills to study effectively in different types of courses.

Programs and services

• Academic Action Program
  If you want to manage your workload, avoid procrastination, and prepare effectively for midterms and exams, join the Academic Action Program.

Online tools and videos

• Mark Calculator
  A tool to help you determine your current mark in each course and calculate your semester average to help plan and prioritise your studying
• A Guide to University Learning
  Designed for incoming undergraduate students, this online mini-course gives you a preview of what it's like to take lecture notes, process academic texts, and write a multiple choice exam. It includes tips and strategies from senior UG students
• Course Outlines: More Than Just Due Dates 
  This short video includes suggestions for how your course outline can help you prioritize, manage your time, and study efficiently
• How to Read a Book
  This video has useful tips for reading effectively and efficiently
• How to Read an Article
  This video has useful tips for reading journal articles
• How to Create a Concept Map
  This video demonstrates how to organize your thoughts and show how concepts are related or differentiated
• How to Create a Matrix Chart
  This video explains how to create a matrix chart to summarize and integrate related information
• 5 Ways to Study with a Matrix Chart
  This video shows five ways you can study using a matrix chart

Study strategies

• Study Effectively
  Tools and tips for building effective study habits
• Top 40 Study Strategies
  See our top forty tips for effective studying
• Understand the Difference between Passive and Active Learning
  This video explains active study strategies and why they are effective
• Learning from Lectures
  Learn about the pros and cons of using laptops in class, strategies for taking notes in different types of courses, and ideas for what to do with your notes after the lecture is over
• Note-Taking Skills
  Wondering about whether to use your laptop to take notes? Read more about different methods for taking notes effectively, whether on paper or on your laptop
• The Cornell Method of Note-Taking
  A time-tested method with a great record of success, the Cornell Method is a system to record, organize, and use your notes from lectures or course texts
• Learning from Textbooks
  Learn about active reading, the value of 'speed' reading, and how to deal with difficult texts
• Using SQ4R
  SQ4R is a classic and systematic method for studying texts,  most useful for courses that emphasize a lot of factual information
• Concept Mapping
  A graphical way of organizing your thoughts and showing how concepts are related or differentiated
• 7 Steps to Better Concentration
  Learn how to identify, analyse, and reduce distractions, a key method for improving concentration
• 7 Strategies to Manage Distractions
  To improve the effectiveness of the time you put into studying, work at recognising and getting rid of distractions
• Reading Critically
  Suggestions for how to read with a critical eye

Online resources are available. Visit our online research, writing, and learning support page to learn more.

For more help with studying effectively, check out our upcoming workshops, or book an online appointment.