Make a realistic study plan, taking account of your own capacity for study, other commitments and interests, and the requirements of your course. Set aside a period of each day for your study. Some students find they are more productive in the morning, others prefer to study later in the day. Fit study time around other commitments and interests, but be sure to stick diligently to the study plan.
Allow plenty of rest breaks to ensure focus remains high. For every hour of study, allow at least 10 minutes to rest. Move away from the study area, take some refreshment and perhaps some light exercise in the form of a short walk.
Find a quiet place to study. It will be easier to focus if there are no distractions or interruptions. Some students find working in a library is a good option; others prefer the convenience of their own room.
Do not attempt to study when hungry or over-tired, as focus is likely to be poor and study may well be unproductive as a result. Take account of your need to eat and sleep in your study plan.
Collect all the equipment, notes and resources likely to be needed at the beginning of the study session. Good organization at this stage will avoid the need for frequent interruptions during the study period to find anything that may have been forgotten.
Prioritize work to ensure deadlines are met. Keep a list of deadlines for project and written work. Try to allocate some time each week to work on longer term essays and projects in order to avoid a last minute rush to complete work, as this is likely to result in lower quality submissions.
Allocate time soon after each lecture or class to consolidate the new work. It is important to revisit new material while it is fresh in the mind, as this will help identify any misunderstandings early and avoid problems later on.