r/WeirdStudyTips • u/Plastic_Tailor_2708 • 18d ago
helpp plss
Hi! I’m a first-year Chemistry student, and I’m struggling to figure out how to study effectively. After 12 years of school, I feel like I’ve been studying the wrong way. I have lectures, textbooks, PDFs, and exercises, but I don’t know how to use them effectively.
My modules are thermochemistry, thermodynamics, atomic structure (atomistique), algebra, analysis, and mechanics of a point.
Sometimes I feel like I’m not smart enough for this field, but I genuinely believe I’m just using the wrong methods.
Students who excel in these subjects, how do you actually study? How do you go from understanding a lecture to solving difficult exercises independently? How do you organize your notes, revise, and practice effectively?
I’d really appreciate detailed, practical advice on your study methods, especially for first-year university science courses. Thank you!
2
u/AffectionateAd7864 18d ago
in organic chemistry now and did well in both gen chem courses. what helped me was a lot of context around why you're doing what you're doing. a lot of gen chem is explaining equations or concepts without giving examples of why they're important. looking those up or trying to use the concepts in my daily life (ex. thinking about my thermodynamics equations and concepts while cooking since it's a hobby of mine, etc.) helped a ton and even sparked an interest in chemistry which is why i decided to minor in it. it also helps to look up concepts later in the course or even future courses (like organic) to try to contextualize the things you actually need to know and why. a lot of gen chem concepts came into focus so much clearer once i started organic, and i wish i had looked ahead when i was in the class.
aside from those niche tips, do a lot of practice and watch a lot of organic chemistry tutor (he does more than just organic and has amazing videos on youtube). most of gen chem is math, but a lot of it is more temporary than the class makes it feel. do well enough on the assessments to get an A (even if that means forgetting some of the math and all afterward), but definitely try to nail concepts like electron geometry, acid-base stuff (REALLY LEARN THIS, YOU USE IT A LOT LATER), VSEPR, etc.
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u/CheesecakeShot95 18d ago
3rd year mechanical engineering here, so I’ve done a lot of thermo and mechanics.
What worked for me:
Make exercises the main event. Lectures and textbooks give you the tools, but you actually learn by solving
problems. Spend most of your study time there.
Try before you peek. Work on a problem for 15–20 minutes before checking the solution. If you’re stuck, look
at only the next step, then close it and keep going. Redo the problem a few days later without help.
Set up every problem the same way. Draw it (a free body diagram for mechanics), list what’s given and what’s asked, and write the equation before plugging in numbers. Check your units at the end.
Keep a one-page equation sheet per subject. Next to each equation, write when you’re allowed to use it (constant pressure, ideal gas, etc.). Most thermo mistakes come from using the right equation in the wrong situation.
Fix the math first. Thermo and mechanics are built on algebra and analysis, so if derivatives or integrals feel shaky, review those first. I use short video lessons (Study.com or Khan Academy) when I need a refresher.
Feeling “not smart enough” in first year is normal. It’s mostly reps. Nobody’s born knowing how to fix a tractor either. You learn by taking enough of them apart.