While my habits have worked well for me, students should get to know their own learning habits and find a reading method that works best for them.

Keira Sharma was born in Texas and then spent most of her childhood in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she learned study habits that have helped throughout her education. Just before high school, her family moved back to Texas. She decided to go to Sam Houston State University after visiting the campus and speaking with faculty and current students in the communications program. In addition, she thought that the campus was beautiful, and she liked the community. Last, it put her only an hour away from her family.

As someone who loves to learn, Keira came to college with some strategies in place. “There is definitely a lot more reading involved in college than in high school,” she says. “However, the good thing is that professors give out syllabi that detail when readings will be due, so you can plan accordingly.” Like many first-year students, she also had to learn to balance the amount of reading required. “I had to get used to measuring how long it took to read, and then manage my time accordingly.”

Many of the other strategies Keira employs revolve around good time management and organization. “Learning how to juggle all other coursework, meals, a social life, and sleep can be difficult, but it is possible. I mostly organize my time in order of priorities, usually based on due dates and how much time it takes to do [the assignment],” she says. Keira explains that once she starts reading, “I usually write down headings within the chapter as I go to keep me guided in the right direction and so that I know what the main point of upcoming sections will be. I then read through and write down any important dates, names, words, or anything that better explains the concept or explains it in a different way. This way I have multiple views on the subject that further enhance my understanding. It also doesn’t hurt to reread sections and go over notes.” She adds an important note: “While my habits have worked well for me, students should get to know their own learning habits and find a reading method that works best for them.”

Keira also has some simple advice for other first-year students: “As much work as college is and as overwhelming as it can feel sometimes, don’t stress too much. College is one of the best times of life. Enjoy it!”