We asked students and learning specialists to share their best tips, tricks and tools for university students. Browse through the articles for new strategies and perspective. Use the filters to find content that works for you.

3 tips for studying for your first midterm or exam

Two students sitting at desks inside a building on campus and working on computers.

Leaving studying to the last minute may seem like a good strategy, but it’s actually easier to prepare for midterms and exams throughout the term. Follow these three steps to build good habits into your study routine.

How to study strategically last minute (effective cramming)

Two students sitting outside on a picnic bench. Both are looking at their own laptops.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been in a situation where you left studying until right before a test or exam. Although advised to avoid this strategy at all costs, many students find themselves in a similar situation at least once throughout their studies. Even though studying last minute should always be used as a last resort, there are some strategies that can help you study for a test or exam and make the last-minute exam preparation a bit less stressful.

What to listen for in lectures

Students in a lecture hall listening to a professor.

There’s a lot of content in university lectures. It’s important to learn how to take cues to determining what’s important to record in your notes. People don’t instinctively listen well, but it’s a skill that anyone can develop using these steps.

7 reasons why you should manage your time in university

Student sitting at a desk using an ipad. There's an open laptop and notes on the desk.

You might’ve already been told countless times that time management is an important skill to help you plan ahead. But what exactly is time management and what does it mean to manage your time?

In university, managing your time is knowing your priorities and making sure that the things on your schedule align with your priorities. Planning your activities involves strategizing so that you can get the most out of your time. Still not convinced? Here are the top 7 reasons why you should manage your time regularly in university. 

In-person vs. online classes in university

Students sitting in a lecture, listening to the professor and smiling.

Deciding between online and in-person classes? The world of university learning has evolved a lot, especially with the rise of online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both class types have their perks and challenges. Here's a simple breakdown to help you understand and decide:

What I wish I knew about studying in university

A student sitting outside on campus. They are leaning up against a tree to support their back while they read through notes.

The first day I stepped onto the sprawling university campus, it was an intoxicating blend of excitement, nerves and sheer determination, and I’m sure it's the same for many other first years. Looking back now, with a few terms tucked under my belt, I realize there's so much I wish someone had whispered into my eager freshman ears—wisdom that goes beyond the curriculum, stretching into the realm of self-growth, time management, and relationships. 

What is independent learning in university?

A student sitting on a bed in a residence room reading a book. There's another student sitting at a desk behind them.

Many of us enter university looking forward to having more independence in choosing our classes, schedules and how we learn. In high school, independent learning might have looked like personal initiative in managing your assignments. In university, this is only a fraction of the kind of independent learning you will have to do. Learning independently in university means that you are in charge of your learning, however that might look like. Independent learning doesn’t always mean that you have to figure things out on your own — it also means recognizing when you need support, even if you don’t know what kind. This is a huge part of independent learning!

How to set goals in university

A student sitting at a desk with textbooks open as they write notes.

Do you have a list of things that you’d like to accomplish by the end of your term? Year? Course? Program? Having a list of goals is a great way to stay motivated and reflect on what you want to get out of university. Goal setting is an exercise that can help you think critically about your priorities. Goal setting can be broken down into five parts, each with their own ways of helping you achieve your goals. 

6 tips for making a schedule that works for you

Four students sitting at a picnic bench on campus working on their laptops.

From the structure to format — your schedule should be caterered to what you need it to do to, which might include keeping track of your schoolwork, job and other things that are important to you!

How to take better notes

A group of students in a lecture hall on campus listening to a professor and taking notes.

What does good note-taking for university lectures look like? There’s more to it than showing up and jotting down a few key phrases from your prof. Follow these tips to focus your attention in lectures, retain information, and make reviewing your notes easier.