Study Tips That Took Me from Accounting to Chemistry

As a student currently pursuing my second undergraduate degree, I’ve learned that academic success isn’t about being naturally brilliant, it’s about organisation, consistency, and using your time wisely.

I transitioned from studying Accounting and Finance to Chemistry, with no prior science background. It was a steep learning curve, but I discovered that a few smart habits can save hours of studying and help you work smarter, not harder.

Here’s my personal guide to earning good grades, regardless of your subject:

1. Use a Reliable Notebook

Invest in a high-quality notebook to track your daily tasks, gain a clearer view of the bigger picture, and stay organized. Set realistic, achievable study goals each day, and remember to make time for relaxation and spending time with friends. Writing down your daily tasks can boost your memory, motivation, and help you maintain realistic expectations for your progress.

2. Plan Your Week Every Weekend

Take time every Saturday or Sunday to plan your week ahead. This reduces stress and helps you stay on top of your responsibilities. Planning gives you a holistic view of your week, allowing you to anticipate tasks such as meal prepping or studying before your next lecture. Avoid leaving preparation until the last minute, you never know what unexpected events might come up.

3. Attend All Lectures and Tutorials

It’s simple: showing up is half the battle. You’ll retain more than you realize just by being present. Even if you feel a lecture or tutorial might not be useful, or you haven’t prepared or attended the previous session, showing up can help you get back on track and make things feel less overwhelming. Skipping lectures, on the other hand, is a slippery slope, a habit that’s hard to break. Ask any university student; we’ve all been there.

4. Preview Lecture Material before and after each lecture

Before each class, take a few minutes to skim the topic. If you come across unfamiliar terms, look them up and jot down brief notes to get a general understanding. Even a quick preview can significantly boost your comprehension during the lecture and help prevent information overload, especially when you have multiple sessions back to back.

Take just 10 minutes after class to ensure you understand the main points. This small habit adds up over time.

5. Focus on Smart Note-Taking

During lectures, don’t try to write down everything—focus on listening and understanding. Take clear, meaningful notes that will make sense when you review them later.

6. Ask Questions—Don’t Be Shy

Whether during or after class, don’t hesitate to ask questions if something isn’t clear. If questions come up after reviewing the lecture material, reach out to your lecturer for help. I spent my entire first year seeking guidance after sessions, and it helped more than any textbook could. Asking questions consistently throughout my first and second year allowed lecturers to get to know me, and they actually appreciate it—it shows you’re actively engaging with the material. Remember, supporting students is part of their job, and most are happy to help.

7. Make Friends on Your Course

Having someone to chat or study with between lectures can make a big difference. Even just 10 minutes of conversation after a long lecture can help you relax and recharge. Your coursemates can explain concepts in ways that click for you, since they’re going through the same material. Unlike lecturers, who haven’t been students in decades and are now experts, your peers experience the same challenges—making it easier to compare notes, exchange ideas, and clarify things you don’t understand.

8. Use a Calendar

Hang a physical calendar by your desk and mark all your important deadlines for the month. This gives you a holistic view of your semester and helps you stay organized. Using color-coding can make it even easier to visualize your tasks at a glance.

9. Track Lecture & Tutorial Progress

Create a simple spreadsheet listing your modules and sessions (e.g., “Lecture 1,” “Tutorial 1”). Include columns like:

• Previewed before lecture
• Reviewed after lecture
• Notes complete
• Extra reading

This system keeps your studies on track and makes exam revision easier, since you’ll already know what needs attention.

10. Use Multiple Study Resources

Don’t rely solely on lecture notes—everyone learns differently. To deepen your understanding:

• Read the books from your course’s recommended reading list.
• Use AI tools to simplify or summarize complex ideas.
• Watch YouTube videos to visualize difficult concepts, especially in science.
• Discuss topics with classmates to reinforce your understanding.

University moves much faster than school, and lecturers won’t spend hours covering each topic slowly. Lectures often cover large amounts of material, so to achieve high results, you’ll likely need to refer to additional resources. Using multiple study sources enhances your knowledge and offers different perspectives. If you’re stuck on a particular topic, check Learning Central for the recommended readings and ask your lecturer which chapters are most relevant.

 11. Attend Study Skills Workshops

Cardiff University’s Centre for Student Life (CSL) offers free workshops on time management, note-taking, and more. They’re highly useful and a great way to meet fellow students.

➡️ Find upcoming workshops here

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room, you just need the right approach. With these study tips and a little consistency, you’ll be well on your way to academic success, no matter your background or degree.