OK, so you’re back to school and are hustling to get registered for all the classes you need. You’re standing in a ridiculously long line, waiting to pay for your ridiculously expensive textbooks. Even though you still have vacation-brain happening, you’re going to have to listen to those lectures and take those notes, so let me give you some tips on how to go about it a better way.

Fact is, you can study as hard as you want, drink five Red Bulls to stay awake the night before a test and cram as much information into your brain as it can hold before it explodes all over your dorm room. Or you can study smarter.

Get a calendar. Doesn’t matter if it’s a virtual one on your phone or an old-fashioned datebook, as long as you can bring it to class with you. With all the classes you are taking, you need to keep track of upcoming assignments and tests in one place. If you write them down on miscellaneous pages in several notebooks, I guarantee something will get missed. If you put them into the calendar as you get them, you will be much more prepared to figure out how to manage your time.

Take organized notes. Make a commitment to taking notes in class. Even if you have Sheldon Cooper’s memory skills, there are two benefits to taking notes ~ other than using them as a study tool. First, it forces you to pay attention and not be distracted by the cute guy/girl in the next row. Second, the act of writing it down helps solidify it in your memory. Don’t write notes in all directions all over the page; try to keep them neat and in outline style, highlighting important information as you go. Have a separate folder for handouts, too. Sticking those in various notebooks means they could get lost or forgotten.

Organize or join a study group. If you are one of those people who has trouble getting yourself in gear and motivated to hit the books, a group can help. Fast fact: Students remember only about 20 percent of what is taught in the lecture itself, but remember about 70 percent of what they study in a group when helping each other learn concepts.

Eat and sleep well. I know, I know ~ you’re in a hurry and you want to spend your time after classes with friends; I totally get it. But you need to energize yourself with sleep and protein. Studies show that protein and complex carbs give you longer-lasting energy than caffeine.

Don’t “cop out.” Professors are wiser than you give them credit for. If you think Cliff’s Notes are all you need to read or that you’re going to get by just watching the movie version of a book, don’t be surprised when none of it is on the test in front of you when the time comes.

Use study tricks. For instance, mnemonics (I’m sorry…what?) are great for some people. For example, one I learned ages ago was FANBOYS for the seven English coordinating conjunctions – For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So. Think it’s silly? Bet you remember that one forever now. Flash cards work well for a lot of people, too.

Figure out your best study time. This is twofold. When do you have the most energy? Are you a morning person or do you get your burst of alertness a little later in the day? Study when you are able to focus best. Late night studying is the least effective. Secondly, commit to the time you set aside. Try to schedule sessions in advance.

Make studying (kinda) fun. Alright, fun and studying in the same sentence ~ sure. It might not be as fun as most things, but if you have really boring content, turn it into a game of sorts. Try taking study questions with one-word answers and using a crossword puzzle generator to make it a better exercise.

By Jennifer Russo