Study Strategies
What is the most effective way to study? (Hint: It involves testing yourself, not just re-reading notes)
Active Recall
This is the most effective way to study. It involves testing yourself rather than just re-reading your notes. Your brain has to work to retrieve the information, which strengthens the memory.
What strategy involves explaining a concept in simple terms to a peer to find gaps in your understanding?
The Feynman Technique
This strategy involves explaining a concept in simple terms to a peer or even to yourself. When you try to teach it, you quickly find the gaps in your understanding.
What is the technique of spreading out your study sessions over several days to fight the forgetting curve?
Spaced Repetition
This is the technique of spreading out your study sessions over several days instead of cramming. It fights the forgetting curve by reviewing material right before you would forget it.
What is the PAL centre?
The PAL Centre
The Peer Assisted Learning Centre offers free, one-to-one, course-specific help from trained upper-year Western students who have excelled in your courses. How to reach it: Drop-in at WSSB Room 4139 (Mon/Wed/Fri 12:30–4:30 PM, Tue/Thu 12:30–4:30 PM) or the Weldon Library Community Room (Tue/Thu 6:00–9:00 PM). Appointments are also available through Western Connect.
What are the times for Weldon Library?
Weldon Library Exam Hours
Weldon Library runs extended hours during exams, staying open until 3:00 a.m. This is perfect for late-night studiers who need a reliable, safe place to focus. Where to check: lib.uwo.ca for current exam-period hours.
What time-management strategy uses 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break?
Pomodoro Method
This time-management strategy uses 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. After four cycles, you take a longer break. It helps maintain concentration and prevents burnout.
What is it called when you mix different topics or problem types during a single study session?
Interleaving
This is when you mix different topics or problem types during a single study session. Instead of studying one topic for hours, you switch between them, which forces your brain to differentiate and strengthens learning.
What is the best way to reduce exam anxiety and get used to the format of your test?
Practice Testing
This is the best way to reduce exam anxiety and get used to the format of your test. It means doing past exams or sample questions under timed conditions before the real thing.
What is the name of the relaxed drop-in space in Weldon where you can get learning support and snacks?
Study Café
The Study Café is a relaxed drop-in space where you can study for exams with support from Learning Peers. You can get course-specific help, review material, study alongside peers, and enjoy snacks. How to reach it: Check Western Connect for upcoming Study Café dates. It's typically held in the Weldon Library Community Room.
When is Peer Tutoring at PAL running?
Peer Tutoring at PAL Centre
The Peer Assisted Learning Centre offers free, one-to-one, course-specific help from trained upper-year students who excelled in your courses. How to access: Drop-in at WSSB Room 4139 (Mon–Fri 12:30–4:30 PM) or the Weldon Library Community Room (Tue & Thu 6:00–9:00 PM). Appointments also available via Western Connect.
What is the most underrated study aid that is critical for memory consolidation and focus?
Sleep
This is the most underrated study aid. It is critical for memory consolidation and focus. Without it, everything you studied the night before is less likely to stick.
What is it called to study by putting your phone in another room?
Distraction-Free Study
This is the "Achilles' heel" of studying. You should eliminate it by putting your phone in another room or using apps that block distracting websites during study sessions.
What strategy involves breaking large amounts of information into smaller, manageable groups to improve memory?
Chunking
This strategy involves breaking large amounts of information into smaller, manageable groups. It makes complex material easier to process and remember by organizing it into meaningful units.
Who can check over essays or other written pieces?
Writing Support Centre
Open to all undergraduate students, this service offers free 50-minute one-to-one appointments with a writing advisor. They help with any academic writing at any stage—brainstorming, drafting, or final polish. How to book: Through Western Connect or visit writing.uwo.ca.
What are Taylor Library's extended hours?
Taylor Library Extended Hours
Taylor Library (in the Natural Science building) gets longer exam hours, staying open until 12:00 a.m. It's a great alternative if Weldon is too crowded. Where to check: lib.uwo.ca for current hours.
What is one thing you can do to reduce stress the night before the exam?
Starting Studying Earlier (Over Reading Week)
Instead of waiting until exams start, use Reading Week to get ahead. Review your notes, make summaries, and do practice questions before the stress hits. Starting early spreads out your studying, reduces cramming, and makes exam season far less overwhelming.
What resource should you use early in your revision to spot recurring topics and understand question language?
Past Papers
You should use these early in your revision to spot recurring topics and understand the language of questions. It also helps you practice under realistic time constraints.
What strategy forces your brain to retrieve information without prompts, strengthening the memory?
Active Recall
This strategy forces your brain to retrieve information without prompts, strengthening the memory. It is more effective than passive review like re-reading or highlighting.
What is one place I can learn how to study and how to do it better?
Learning Skills Workshops
Learning Development & Success runs workshops to help you study smarter, not harder. Topics include time management, note-taking, reading strategies, and exam prep. How to register: Check the schedule at learning.uwo.ca or register through Western Connect.
What is one thing I could do if I want a whole room to myself to study in?
Bookable Group Study Rooms
Western Libraries offer bookable group study rooms across campus. Weldon's rooms are in high demand, but options in Thames Hall and Social Science tend to have availability. Perfect for group projects or uninterrupted study blocks. How to book: Through the Western Libraries website (lib.uwo.ca).
What is the term for thinking about your thinking, which helps you identify what you actually don't know?
This is the term for thinking about your thinking. It helps you identify what you actually don't know, so you can focus your study time on your weakest areas instead of reviewing what you already understand.
What is the term for making studying harder (but more effective) by using techniques like active recall?
Desirable Difficulty
This is the term for making studying harder (but more effective) by using techniques like active recall and interleaving. The struggle to retrieve information is what makes it stick.
What concept, described by Ebbinghaus, explains why you forget most of what you read immediately?
The Forgetting Curve
This concept, described by Ebbinghaus, explains why you forget most of what you read immediately. It shows why spaced repetition and active recall are necessary to retain information long-term.
What is the Indigenous Student Centre Tutors program?
Indigenous Student Centre Tutors
The ISC offers free drop-in tutoring in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, and Writing. Tutors are upper-year students and graduate students. How to access: Drop-in hours posted at indigenous.uwo.ca from September to April. Located in the Indigenous Student Centre.
What are some GOATed hidden study spots on campus?
Talbot Music Building (bright, calm), the top floor of Mustang Lounge (overlooked, quiet), and the Entrepreneurship Building (modern, natural light)