Studying Tips for Engineering Students

Being a successful engineering student starts by forming proper studying habits. There is a higher learning expectation at the university level, compared to what you were used to in high school. Engineering students often find they must spend more time studying in order to successfully pass their engineering classes and complete course work on time. Part of successful studying is ensuring you have the right materials and supplies before you even set foot inside a classroom, such as pens, pencils, calculators, and engineering notebooks. A materials and supplies list can be obtained either from your college’s academic office or your academic advisor.

General Engineering Studying Tips

• Never Miss Class: Missing a class could put you far behind your peers. If you have to miss due to illness, make sure to ask a fellow classmate for notes, and make an appointment with the instructor or their teaching assistant to cover any questions you might have about the material.
• Get to Know Your Instructors: Take the time to learn your instructors’ office hours, whether they have teaching assistants, and the teaching assistants’ office hours. Developing relationships with your instructors not only makes it easier for you to approach them whenever you require help, but also gives you suitable references to use later on when you apply for internships and jobs.
• Participate in Study Groups: Everyone has their own methods for problem solving. Being part of a study group greatly helps expand your problem-solving skills, especially in situations where you are stuck on a problem or not entirely sure whether you are approaching the problem correctly. In addition, it allows you to develop relationships with your classmates should you miss class and need class notes or help catching up on assignments.
• Take Notes: Notes should be taken during class lectures and problem demonstrations, as well as while you are completing reading assignments. It is better to use engineering notebooks and hand write notes rather than rely upon laptop computers or tablet devices. However, it is beneficial to use the microphone in these devices and record lectures for review later.
• Review Materials Several Times: Review reading assignments, notes, and other materials more than once. Preview the assigned reading before reading through the chapter, and then read the entire chapter before the next class. Remember, as you are reading, to take notes on important concepts and topics you can utilize in class to help answer questions.
• Avoid Working: If at all possible, avoid working if you have a full class load. Your engineering courses are going to take more time out of your schedule to study and complete assignments. If you do have to work, try to limit your work schedule to no more than fifteen hours per week, or, if you must work full time, take no more than one engineering course and one general education course per semester.

By following these engineering studying tips, you are on your way to developing prospering studying techniques and successfully passing your engineering courses. You can obtain professional engineering notebooks and student notebooks directly from Scientific Notebook Company by calling 800-537-3028.