College athletes lead very busy lives and are constantly on the go. But college athletes are also students, meaning they still must find time to engage with their coursework and attend classes. These five studying tips will ensure that college athletes use their time sufficiently so that they can prepare for their classes in the best way possible. 

1. Use flashcards

Whether they're actual notecards or an online service like Quizlet or Kahoot!, flashcards are a very versatile studying method. Easily dropped into a backpack, flashcards are a perfect tool to utilize before a practice begins, on a bus ride to a game, match, meet, etc., or even while eating a meal. 

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2. Use your time wisely

You may find it very beneficial to watch or listen to a recorded lecture, seminar, etc. while walking to practice or running on the treadmill. Making the most of your time that you have away from playing your actual sport will allow you to also prioritize your academic coursework, sometimes even at the same time For example, between practices or on the way to a game or match, you may find it useful to complete an assignment for one of your courses. 

Related: 4 Tips for Studying on the Go

3. Study in advance

College athletes are constantly busy and have lots going on in their lives, so studying may seem like it is not a priority at all times. However, even studying weeks in advance for a particular assignment or exam can still  prepare you for it well. Breaking up your studying into smaller segments and constantly reviewing the material leading up to the assignment will allow you to retain the information at a better rate, instead of cramming for the assignment the night before. 

Related: Daily Grind: Finding Balance as a Busy College Athlete

4. Complete your assignments in order

Completing your assignments in the order of their deadline will ensure that you have the most time available to give more attention to each one. By completing your assignments in this order, you will have a greater opportunity to think through the assignment itself and seek feedback or advice if necessary. You will also not be rushed to complete an assignment at the last minute if you started your work on it closer to the time that the assignment was given. 

5. Practice!

Much like athletics, academics require practice. Most professors and teachers usually offer practice problem sets or practice resources–you just may have to ask for them! Constantly working to improve your score on practice problems will prepare you for the best results possible when it is time for the actual assignment or exam to be completed. 

It's true that college athletes sometimes have to study in unique ways or at inconvenient times, but don't let that discourage you from being the best student you can be! These tips will ensure that athletes use their time wisely and in the most effective way possible to study and prepare for their courses and work.

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* Originally published on July 26, 2022, by Caleb Myers