1. Create a Study Schedule
- Tip: Break down assignments and schedule study sessions. Prioritize based on deadlines and difficulty.
- Tool: Use Outlook Calendar (available via Microsoft 365) to set reminders for assignments, exams, and study sessions.
2. Leverage LSC’s Online Library Resources
- Tip: Start research early using Lone Star College’s online library for credible sources.
- Tool: Access LSC Library Research Databases for free access to scholarly articles, journals, and e-books.
3. Use Brainfuse for Online Tutoring
- Tip: Get free tutoring help for challenging subjects.
- Tool: LSC offers Brainfuse for free 24/7 online tutoring, writing labs, and study resources. Set up a tutoring appointment through Tutor Match.
4. Join Study Groups
- Tip: Collaborate with peers in person or online for a better understanding of complex topics.
- Tool: Use the D2L Classlist for discussion boards and class collaborations with classmates.
5. Make Flashcards for Memorization
- Tip: Flashcards are great for subjects requiring heavy memorization (e.g., biology, languages).
- Tool: Quizlet offers free flashcard creation and study modes, ideal for reviewing key concepts.
6. Use the Writing Center for Paper Reviews
- Tip: Get feedback on essays and research papers before submission.
- Tool: Access Turnitin and IntelliWriter (via D2L) to check for plagiarism and improve writing quality.
7. Practice the Pomodoro Technique
- Tip: Study in 25-minute intervals followed by 5-minute breaks to maintain focus.
- Tool: Use TomatoTimer (web-based) for free Pomodoro sessions to manage study time effectively.
8. Stay Organized with Digital Note-Taking
- Tip: Take detailed class notes and review them daily for better retention.
- Tool: Using OneNote (part of Microsoft 365) helps keep notes organized and accessible across devices.
9. Ask Questions
- Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask questions during lectures or office hours to clarify doubts early.
- Tool: Communicate via your LSC Student Email through Outlook to follow up with professors on difficult topics.
10. Review Past Exams and Quizzes
- Tip: Practice with previous exams to understand question formats and common topics.
- Tool: Review practice quizzes and exam materials uploaded by professors on your D2L Course page.
11. Create Mind Maps for Complex Subjects
- Tip: For subjects with many interrelated concepts (e.g., psychology, history), use mind maps to visualize connections.
- Tool: MindMup lets you easily create and save mind maps for class subjects.
12. Break Down Large Tasks into Manageable Steps
- Tip: When overwhelmed by big assignments, break them into smaller, manageable steps. This will make studying or completing projects feel less daunting.
- Tool: Use goblin.tools to break down tasks in a way that feels "very demure, very mindful." This tool simplifies tasks without overwhelming you, helping you stay calm and focused while working.
13. Watch Supplementary Educational Videos
- Tip: If a concept is unclear, watch videos for different explanations.
- Tool: Khan Academy and CrashCourse (via YouTube) offer free, high-quality educational videos on a wide range of subjects.
14. Use LSC Library's Quiet Study Spaces
- Tip: Use quiet environments such as Lone Star College libraries to minimize distractions and boost focus.
- Tool: LSC Libraries offer free quiet study rooms and spaces on campus for student use.
15. Set Specific Study Goals
- Tip: Define clear goals for each study session (e.g., finish two chapters, solve 10 problems).
- Tool: Use Microsoft To Do to organize and track tasks for study goals.
16. Make Use of Office Hours
- Tip: Take advantage of office hours for one-on-one help with course material.
- Tool: Use Outlook to schedule and track meetings with professors and advisors.
17. Record Lectures for Review
- Tip: With the instructor's permission, record lectures to revisit important points later.
- Tool: Use the built-in Voice Recorder on your phone or Microsoft OneNote to record and sync audio with class notes.
18. Stay Physically Active
- Tip: Incorporate regular exercise into your schedule to maintain focus and energy during study sessions.
- Tool: Track your steps and activity for free with built-in apps such as Google Fit or Apple Health.
19. Manage Stress and Mental Health
- Tip: Practice mindfulness and take breaks to manage stress during busy academic periods.
- Tool: Apps such as Smiling Mind offers guided sessions to help reduce stress and increase focus.
20. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
- Tip: Stay hydrated and eat healthy snacks to maintain energy during long study periods!
- Tool: Use the free Water Drink Reminder app to track your water intake throughout the day.
All tools mentioned are either free or available through LSC’s Microsoft 365 subscription.