Purchase the textbook for the course. When the course begins, the professor will provide you with a syllabus. The syllabus will indicate which book you need to purchase. The book has information about the course that will help you to understand the subject material better. Also, be sure to purchase a notebook for taking notes during class.
Read the syllabus and determine which chapter will be covered for the week. Each day, study a certain part of those chapters by reading through your notes and the textbook.
Analyze your homework and quiz grades. In college, you are not going to have many quizzes and homework assignments, therefore, it is important to analyze the few that you have. If you find that you are receiving bad grades on the homework and quizzes, make an appointment with the professor to discuss this issue.
Review your homework assignments. When preparing to study for a college course, always organize your homework assignments according to their due dates. Each night, do over one assignment. This will help you to prepare for the information that will be on a quiz or a test.
Find a group of friends in the class with whom you feel comfortable studying. The classes in college have the potential to be very large. This means that you will receive less personal attention and in turn need to learn how to study with others. The advantage to studying with people in your class is that they are learning the information along with you, so you will be able to help one another effectively. One of your friends may understand something that you do not and you may understand something that he does not.
Listen attentively in class. Always be present in class and pay attention to the material that is being taught. Not coming to class, not being punctual and not being attentive are three elements which will throw you off track. By being in class and learning in the information, you will feel less overwhelmed when doing the work on your own.
Always check the course Web site and your school e-mail. The course Web site will provide you with information about test dates, homework assignments and lecture material. You will also be sent updates and announcements about the course through your e-mail. Checking both sites each day will keep you on track.