How do I Retain What I Learn in College?

A bit stressed about forgetting the stuff I learn after graduation. I might not remember all the info from my major, but what are some strategies to retain the most critical concepts?

You're not alone in this concern, it's completely normal to worry about retaining the information you learn. Here are several suggestions to help maximize your retention both during your studies and after graduation:

1. Active Learning: Active learning involves engaging with the material, not just passively absorbing information. For instance, as you read or listen to lectures, ask yourself questions about the material or try to explain the concepts to a friend. This interaction can improve your understanding and make the information stick.

2. Consistent Review: Regularly reviewing material long after you've initially learned it can also help solidify your memory. Even after your final exams, take out some time every now and then to refresh those important principles.

3. Connect New Lessons to Existing Knowledge: When you learn something new, try to link it to information you already know. This helps to weave a web of interconnected ideas in your mind, making it easier for you to recall specific facts and concepts.

4. Teach Others: There's truth in the saying, "To teach is to learn twice." Explaining concepts to others forces you to understand it more in-depth. You could potentially join or form study groups for this purpose.

5. Healthy Habits: Things like adequate sleep, regular exercise, and proper nutrition have been shown to improve memory and cognition.

6. Real-Life Application: If possible, try to see how your learnings apply in the real world. This could mean internships, research projects, or just mentally noting instances where your coursework is applicable outside the classroom.

Using these strategies, you can hopefully improve your retention and continue to benefit from your college learnings long after you graduate.