Study technique

Full-time university study is often thought of as the equivalent of a 40-hour working week, but how you use that time, and what study techniques work for you, can be very different. Here are some tips and tools to help you find a way of studying that suits you at the beginning of a course, during the course and at the end of the course.

We have different circumstances, life situations and sometimes even disabilities that affect how we learn best. Some study full-time, others combine their studies with a part-time job. Some are distance learners, others study on campus. Whatever your circumstances, you need to find a study technique that works for you. As a student with a permanent disability, you can get targeted educational support:

• Studying with a disability

At the beginning of a course - course start

1. Get an overview of the course

• Read the syllabus carefully. What will you learn? Which modules and examinations are included?
• Read the course reading list and get books in time, or plan where you can borrow them.

2. Plan your time

• Create a schedule. Put lectures, deadlines and exams in a calendar, on paper or digitally. Use the information in the course room in Canvas and the course schedule in TimeEdit.
• Schedule sessions for self-study. Write in your calendar what you will study and when you will do it.
• Divide up the course literature so that you know what to read each week and before lectures. Use reading strategies to plan and prepare your reading:

• Reading strategies - reading scientific material

3. Set goals

• Formulate what you want to get out of the course. For example: I want to understand the basics of statistics so that I can apply it in my thesis.
• Set interim goals that you can check off each week.

4. Organize your material

Navigate the course room in Canvas to keep track of course materials and assignments. Check how and when coursework is due.

Create folders on your computer or in a physical binder for lectures, assignments and notes. As a student at LTU you have access to Microsoft 365:

• Microsoft 365 for students

During the course

1. Attend lectures and seminars

• Prepare yourself by reading the information and materials in the course room in canvas. Note for yourself what might be interesting or difficult to understand.
• Take notes in your own words during the lecture.
• Ask questions if something is unclear. You can ask questions to the lecturer but also to your fellow students or yourself. This is often when understanding is deepened. Dare to ask!

2. Use different study strategies

• Summarize each lecture, lesson or weekly content.
• Test yourself with study questions, quizzes or old exams.
• Retell, explain or teach to someone else. It is an effective way to see if you understand.
• Revise after lectures and class sessions. Review notes and adjust as needed. Rehearse regularly!

3. Vary your studies and your learning

• Alternate between reading, writing, drawing mind maps or discussing with others.
• Use recorded lectures, flashcards or use generative AI as a complement and support in your studying. As a student at LTU, you have access to Microsoft Copilot:

• Microsoft Copilot - AI service for students

4. Study regularly

• Study short sessions often rather than long marathon sessions.
• Schedule recurring reading time every week.
• Schedule time for recovery and sleep.
• Study in a focused and undisturbed way. Put your phone away during study sessions.

5. Study with a study group

• Discuss difficult parts or study together for exams.
• Recount or explain difficult words and concepts to each other.
• Share tasks and tips between you.

At the end of the course

1. Repeat smartly

• Review your notes and summaries.
• Review summaries of course literature or course materials.
• Revise using presentation material from lectures or recorded lectures.
• Identify what you are still struggling with and put extra focus there, but also revise what you have understood and learned.

2. Do old exams and practice questions

• Practice writing old exams with timekeeping. You can find old exams on the student website

• Old exams

• Discuss the answers with your fellow students.

3. Strategy for writing exams

• If you have a lot of exams to write, decide which exams to prioritize. If you have several exams at the same time, it may be difficult to study properly for all of them. It's better to spend time on the ones that are most important right now.
• Remember to register in time. Check the time and place of the exam and whether you are allowed to use aids, such as formula collections.
• During the exam, get an overview and start with the easiest question first.
• Read carefully what is being asked and be structured in your answers.
• Make use of the time. Set aside 30 minutes at the end to go over your answers.
• Feeling stressed? Drop the pen and take a few deep breaths.

4. Reflect

• What worked well in your study technique?
• What could you have done differently?
• Write down your insights and use them in your next course.

5. Celebrate

• Give yourself something to look forward to after finishing the course. It will boost your motivation in the long run.