It is not new to the ears that one of the biggest problems students encounter is the ability to read and understand. Some are faced with the inability to read at all and those that end up find it interesting do not know how to go about it. How about those student who see it it as relevant because they have to read to pass and be successful in life just as they were told.

Having all this thoughts in mind, you should be aware that most students do not know how to go about this, irrespective of the category they find themselves in. 

So we have decided to help as many students that will come across this content with a some tips/habits they need to groom themselves with, in order to improve their study skills. Below is a list of habits that every student should groom in order to become an outstanding student.

1 - Firstly how you approach matters that has to do with studying has a lot of impact to its effectiveness. Most times it is affected by the situation you find yourself or the state of mind. Being in the right state of mind is important in approaching study matters. You do not study when your mind is overwhelmed with issues, when you are emotionally unstable or when you have been affected psychologically.

Now, how do you improve the state of your mindset to help your focus as it relates to study matters:

Always remind yourself of what you can do, your abilities and skills; remain positive.

Avoid being negative, being negative is catastrophic. Thoughts like, "I can't pass this examination", "Will I be able to understand this subject", " This test is just too cumbersome, I cannot comprehend it" e.t.c should be avoided.

Do not compare yourself with others, it has a way tarnishing ones self-esteem. Have it in mind that you are who you are and you are studying to be a better you and not to be like some other student. It is advisable to have a role model but better of someone who is not at the same level as you are.

2 - Where you decide to study is also an important factor. Just as human in his/her right senses will not leave their houses to a bus station to have a bath in the morning, it is also applicable to places you decide to study.

Many people/students make mistakes by studying in places that isn't conducive for learning and they wonder why they do not understand what they have learnt. You can't learn in a distracting environment, every study environment must be conducive for learning.

Studying in your house around family members, hostel or around friends can be very distracting. You should look for a library, a quiet hall or any other quiet and silent place where there is less distraction

3 - When going to read, go along with everything needed to facilitate your study. Sometimes in an attempt to making sure we take everything, or when trying to make sure we are convenient at our various reading spots, we take  along with us those thing that are not needed. Sometimes we take this things unknowingly and on getting to the library it becomes a distraction. You should try as much as you can to avoid taking any distraction tool,equipment or gadget to the library.

Today the world is developing and is becoming internet and technologically oriented and as a result of this most students might decide to go along with their laptops, computers, phones or any type of gadget for taking notes to the library but this can also be a very distraction tool. 

At this point is where you need to question yourself whether it is important for you to go with them or make due with the old fashioned pen and paper to concentrate more and successfully avoiding any form of distraction

Do not forget to go along with the most important things needed for study, you can also be distracted if you are not with the necessary materials.

4 - When studying, do it by yourself or alongside devoted friends. In this case you practice by yourself, you ask questions, you answer them, You create contest with your friends, you organise quiz , You solve and attempt question.

If there are study questions from the past exams being, you practice them with your friends( use them as a guide to studying, do not study them as though they are questions you intend to answer in your forthcoming exams) 

To those that enjoy reading with a group of friends, it is advisable you make the group a population not more that 4-5, with people of the same academic field or classmates. Compare and review notes to garner points and references

5 - Create a time table you can stick to. Study time shouldn't be a spare time or times when you are less busy. Study time should be taken as a time in your life seen as important as others. When planning for your schedules, your study time shouldn't be exempted and it should be taken with all seriousness.

You should study at least 30 - 60 minutes everyday. Study as many times as you can every semester before exams. The worst thing a student can do to his study skills is to study when it is few weeks to examination; That is not studying but cramming.

6 - Reward yourself after and also take breaks. You should reward yourselves after achieving certain feat in study. like in the quizzes, competitions and contests makes sure there is a prize at the end, even when it is being done with friends in a group.