How to Succeed in CollegeWestern Washington University

Benjamin R. Ratcliff

Overview

Study Strategies Academic Support Personal Wellness University Resources

Set Yourself Up for Success Give ample time to complete studying and

work. It’s better to finish early than cramp in the end.

Don’t wait until the last second to start reviewing.

Reduce or eliminate distractions.

Keep the big picture in mind. Little facts will be easier to remember if they fit into a bigger idea.

Be an active learner. Think about how you’re learning.

Getting the Most Out of Studying

Just having the intention to learn doesn’t correlate with learning. The way you think about the material is more important than the time you spend studying.

Engaging the material (deep processing), rather than just trying to memorize it (shallow processing), will lead to better retention of knowledge.

Deep Processing

Elaboration: Relating a topic to other concepts.

Distinctiveness: Separating a topic from similar concepts.

Personal Connection: Connecting a topic to a personal experience.

Retrieval & Application: Practicing using knowledge in the way you’re going to have to use it.

Helpful Hints

Set a goal and come prepared when studying as a group.

Create a concept map of how concepts are related.

Stay engaged!!

Hand write your notes.

Highlight “smart.”

Teach others what you’re learning.

Recovering after a Setback

DON’T

Panic

Go into denial

DO

Be honest with yourself

Examine how your prepared

Review the exam

Talk with your professor

Examine your study habits and make the appropriate changes

Don’t be the student who…

Keeps studying the same way, hoping to improve.

Waits until the end of the quarter to ask for help.

Skips class to focus on other classes.

Falls further behind waiting to find time to catch up.

Crams at the last minute.

Doesn’t do assignments because they are small or late.

Academic Support

Needing help planning for the upcoming quarter and beyond? Try the Academic Advising Center in Old Main 380 or call 360-650-3850

Need to withdraw from a class? Having problems with registration? Try the Registrar's Office in Old Main 230 or call 360-650-3430

Need help with course work? Try the Tutoring Center in Wilson Library

Personal Wellness

We are most productive and happy when all the aspects of our lives are in balance. Your academic load will seem easier if you can maintain good health, a sense of purpose, and a clear mind.

Body Your brain is part of your body, so it makes sense

that if you take care of your body, your brain will function better.

Getting regular exercise is not only a good distraction from studying, it will help your mind be quicker and recall information better.

A good diet helps to fuel your brain. Eating right will make you more energetic, more focused, and happier.

Having a good night’s sleep shouldn’t be undervalued. Your mind uses the time you sleep to encode the things you learned that day. A few extra hours of sleep can actually be more helpful than staying up studying.

Spirit Spirituality means a lot of different things to

different people, but don’t underestimate its importance in maintaining wellbeing.

Spirituality can mean a connection to a religious group. There are many organizations such as the Campus Christian Fellowship, the Buddhism Club, and the Muslim Students’ Association that are open to Western students.

Spirituality can mean a connection to nature. The Arboretum and the area surrounding Bellingham are great places to reconnect with the environment.

Spirituality can mean a feeling that your work is purposeful. Thinking deeply about your daily actions and behaviors can help rediscover your purpose.

Mind

Our brains house both the mechanisms of learning and our emotional centers, and these two functions are closely intertwined.

Stress can be extremely detrimental when trying to learn. Take a deep breath, take a break, and remember that whatever test you’re studying for will not define your academic career.

Again, getting enough sleep is essential for a healthy mind.

Doing things that aren’t academic (playing games, hanging out with friends, or reading a book for pleasure) is important to avoid burnout.

Personal Wellness Support

Need someone to talk to? Try the Counseling Center located in Old Main 540 or call 360-650-3164

Need support as a first generation or minority student? Try the Student Outreach Center located in Old Main 387 or call 360-650-7443

Not feeling well? Try the Student Health Center located down the street from the Rec Center or call 360-650-3400

QuestionS?

Good Luck!!!

Thanks for Coming!!!