READ! | Advice

Read to prepare. Read ahead. Read to understand.

One of the most important lessons I have learned in my academic career is to DO YOUR READING. Most University/College subjects - particularly those within a Bachelor of Arts degree (Humanities) - require you to read a certain number of prescribed texts as well as do your own research on the topic or course. As much of a drag as it seems, the most helpful thing you can do is keep up with your reading. If you are required to read certain things in preparation for a lecture/seminar/tutorial, set aside some time the night before to do it. The more you read the faster you will be able to read and the quicker doing readings will take. 

Academic readings are not always overflowing with stimulating content. But they will most definitely enrich your understanding and help you engage with the topic in a more productive way rather than just pitching to lectures. Also, reading throughout the year means you will be a lot more prepared when exams roll around. Instead of spending hours of your study time getting through long readings. If you spend a little time each day reading, all you will have to do during exams is revise.

It also helps to highlight important points as you read (use a highlighter or underline with a pen) and, if you're feeling super enthusiastic, you can keep a notepad nearby to make a summary of important points to read as a part of your revision.

I'm off to read a research paper...