Students need to improve their study skills in order to succeed in college. To do well on exams, students must learn how to retain information by taking effective notes, managing their time well, and creating an environment where they can focus. Part of succeeding involves finding what study methods work best for the individual, whether it's studying with or without music. It's also important to get enough sleep, as being tired can negatively impact grades and safety. While some students work to pay for school, it's important not to sacrifice study time which could hurt academic performance. Managing both work and school schedules is key to balancing responsibilities.

1. 6 Lifestyles The TOWER
Students Need to Revamp Their Study Skills in Order to Succeed
By NICK WIERY and to graduate on time, students find out where and what type of answer, if given) is a good note tak-
TOWER staff writer should learn to retain what they atmosphere you need in order to ing mechanism. Performing these
As midterms approach at Betha- study and have good note-taking retain the course’s material. tips with note-taking can help im-
ny College, a sense of anxiety be- and time-management skills. Once you know where you want prove your study habits.
gins to set in for many students. An important part to passing to study, it helps to know what to The most important element to
To do well on college exams, stu- exams and doing well in college is study. Taking good notes in class is be successful in college deals with
dents must buy text books, read to retain what you’re studying. To an important part of knowing what time management. Reading the
text books and have a grasp on the learn material, students vary in to study. When taking notes, do not text a night before the test will
material for their intended courses. preference. Some students need write down the lecture word-for- cause more anxiety, rather than
In order to “grasp” the most, both dead silence, while others have word. Instead, focus on applicable studying and looking over your
out of class and college in general, trouble studying without music key points and phrases your pro- notes a little each day.
a student must learn how to study. or television playing in the back- fessor repeats. Also, writing down An example of poor time manage-
To insure a passing grade on exams ground. Overall, it’s important to questions asked in class (and the See Study Skills, page 8
Sleeping Schedules Affect Grades Advice on Working While in School
By JAMES REEVES is done for the night early; i.e. do By NICK WIERY field, but also networking with
TOWER contributor not procrastinate, which forces TOWER staff writer people who may be able to help you
As young adults between 18 and yourself to pull all-nighters later We all know most college stu- once you graduate. Equally impor-
29, we do not get the eight hours in the week. dents are on tight budgets. Know- tant, find something you enjoy. If
of sleep that we need to function My second tip is having a com- ing this and getting a job while you’re constantly working a gruel-
at our best between classes, and fortable sleeping area. Adjust the attending college, students may ing shift that you despise, this may
in studies, sports, work and hav- bed the way you like it and make sacrifice crucial study times to earn result in a build-up of unneeded
ing a social life. Not getting an ad- the room dark and quiet. Our bod- money. Depending on one’s finan- stress on top of the stress of your
equate amount of sleep can have ies react to the darkness, releasing cial aid, some students are forced to schoolwork.
a lot of negative effects, including chemicals in our brain that make work, while others choose to have Senior Carly Pavlecic says she
death. us tired. So turn off the TV when some extra money. The supplemen- works because she has to pay off
Each year 100,000 traffic ac- trying to sleep. tary earnings are nice, but are they her school bills and to have spend-
cidents happen on our nation’s Third, avoid using your bed for worth sacrificing study time that ing money. During the school week,
roads, killing 1,500 people and in- studying or watching TV; do your may negatively affect your grades? she maintains a work-study job
juring 71,000 more. Young adults studying at a desk or library. Your The reason for attending college working a couple hours each day
are responsible for half of these body will get used to being in bed is to achieve a degree in a specific in the mail room at Bethany Col-
accidents. Studies by the National and doing work or entertainment area. If you are going to get a job lege. On the weekends, she serves
Sleep Foundation found that 36% and won’t see it as a place for while attending school, you need and bartends at Wheeling Country
of 18-to 29-year-olds had trouble sleeping. to make sure your work sched- Club for extra money. When asked
getting out of bed and due to that , Fourth, avoid naps. I know that ule doesn’t counteract with your if her job relates to her Communi-
22% are late to class or work. there is nothing better than lying schooling. For example, if you have cations and Media Arts major she
An even more astonishing num- down after three long classes, but an exam to study for but are un- said, “Yes, because the people at
ber of 40% sleep in class or at work staying awake studying or being able to due so because of work, the the Country Club are very wealthy,
twice a week. Tiredness can also productive will help you fall asleep outcome will most likely be a poor well-rounded people and it’s nice to
lead to irritability, frustration, later. You’re only making those grade. Graduating means a high- network for the real world and still
stress, laps in abstract thinking tired feelings worse by lying down. er paying job (some stats say as maintain time for school.”
and an inability to control emo- Fifth, avoid eating heavy meals much as $2 million over a lifetime); Having a job while attending col-
tions. So to help you better your or snacks before bed. Your body therefore, it is important to place lege can work out, as long as your
sleep habits and your life, here are will start the digestive process your priorities on studying before schedule favors schooling. Sev-
some tips. causing an increased heart rate work. If you need a day off because eral pluses are if you are able to
First, get into a daily/weekly and an inability to relax. Also, you feel your grades are slipping, do something that’s enjoyable and
routine for each week. Do some- people that suffer from heart burn don’t lie to your boss. Tell the truth you’re doing something that may
thing relaxing and be sure to go to or indigestion will feel these ef- and do it as early as possible; most help out with your college degree.
bed at the same time every night. fects even more. of the time, the boss should under- Time management and priori-
This does not mean you should go Finally, we are all very busy and stand. tizing are big factors in being suc-
to bed at nine, but instead a time have a lot on our minds so making Finding a job could be tough cessful with handling your job and
that you are comfortable with. To a to-do list for the next day. This while attending school. If possible, school. Always remember, the rea-
relax, I suggest reading a book, will help eliminate some of the try to find a job that is closely re- son for attending school is to earn
listening to music or taking a bath stress and help you relax. I hope lated to your major and something a degree to have a better chance at
or shower. In order to allow your- you find these tips helpful and you enjoy. By doing this, you’re an enjoyable and well-paid job.
self to relax, make sure your work sleep better, and longer, at night. not only getting experience in your