Tufts Blogs

Everyone has different study habits and what works for your friend might not work for you. Also, studying in high school and college are very different and require different strategies. I think one of the biggest contrasts between school work in high school and college is the increased level of independence and responsibility you have to take on. However, this does not mean that you always do your homework alone. Some may prefer to work by themselves, but, in addition to working alone, I am going to share the resources and tips I have found helpful in my time at Tufts. 

1. Study Groups 

In college, course materials can become challenging. Going through it all by yourself may not be the best idea. If possible, try to make study groups with the people in your class. Having an appropriately sized study group (~3–4 people) may help you understand the materials better. One of your classmates may be able to explain what you did not understand well in the lecture and you may in turn help them understand some other topic they were having problems with. Also, introduction classes–usually containing more than 100 people–have assigned study groups. This may be helpful, especially for freshmen who may not  know anyone in the class. Study groups are great for going over study guides and preparing for midterms and finals. 

2. Subject Tutors 

If you are struggling with a specific subject, you can get free 1–on–1 tutoring in that subject. There are subject tutors for science, math, foreign languages, etc. What is great about this resource is that the subject tutors have once taken the course before, so they know the materials as well as the professor’s style. Therefore, they are really helpful, and signing up for a session is very easy. You can either do a 1–on–1 session or a group session. 

3. TA’s

Teacher’s Assistants (TA’s) are another wonderful resource. Depending on the class, the TA’s can be an undergrad student that took the course and did well or a graduate student who studies that subject. Either way, like the Subject tutors, they have been in your shoes before. Therefore, you can drop-in during their office hours and/or attend their recitations. 

There may be some learning curve in the beginning, but these three resources can help you if you need extra help in a subject or just to supplement your study habits. As a junior, I have been using these resources–especially during finals week–and it has helped me a lot and be less stressed out.