Have you ever been taught how to learn and study effectively, or did you have to figure out what works for you on your own? 

Although you spent many years in school before arriving at the University of Iowa, most college students across the country, as many as 80 percent in some research studies, say that they have never been taught how to study. 

To help you become the most successful student you can be, the Office of Student Learning has practical recommendations for effective learning. Tutor Iowa has additional resources.

Three strategies for a productive semester

Harness your mindset

As you start the new academic year, take time to reflect on how you are contributing to your success. Are you encouraging yourself? Do you believe you can do it? What types of obstacles or problems tend to trigger your fixed mindset thinking? 

Although there is a lot about college that is beyond your control, challenge yourself to think about what you can control, like your mindset, your study habits, and how you spend your valuable time. 

Set behavioral goals

Instead of focusing on performance-based goals (e.g., get an A in every class), identify the concrete actions you can take that will get you there. Consider what habits you can adopt this semester to enhance your success. A few examples of behavioral goals you can work towards include: 

• Attend every class and participate regularly
• Visit office hours every week to seek clarifications
• Use academic resources like supplemental instruction regularly, not just before an exam
• Ask yourself “Could I explain this material to someone else?” as you review your notes

Manage your time well

Time management is challenging because college courses are far less structured than high school. 

Additionally, many of the features of college courses (e.g. deadlines that are far in the future or infrequent feedback on assignments) can lead to procrastination, increased stress, and burnout. Be proactive by planning and monitoring your time this fall:

• Create a calendar: List all your time commitments (classes, work, student org meetings, etc.). Adding everything to your calendar helps you better understand where you spend your time so you can be strategic with your priorities. You can use a paper planner or an online app.
• Note deadlines: When you get your syllabi, enter deadlines for assignments and exams into your calendar. Make sure you set up reminders leading up to those deadlines so you can space out your learning and reduce stress.
• Develop a study routine: Plan to work on your classes during a consistent time each day and in set blocks of time rather than by which assignment is due next. For example, plan to study from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with short breaks after every hour or so.
• Minimize distractions : Place your phone in airplane mode and keep it out of sight. Check it only during your scheduled study breaks as a reward to yourself.

Academic Resource Center

If you're looking for additional support this semester, the Academic Resource Center is available to all students. Supplemental Instruction Sessions are available Sunday to Friday from Sept. 2 to Dec. 12. There are no sessions during fall break or finals week. 

For the fall semester, the Academic Resource Center is located on the second floor of the Main Library. All sessions are free, and they're offered for a variety of courses.