Eliminate lifestyle distractions - Technology offers unprecedented ways to access new information. However, it also creates distractions that can prevent you from concentrating on your research. Stick to academic websites, silence your phone, and turn off your wireless connection as soon as you have enough information to write.
Take & review thorough notes while in class - Whether you're sitting through a lecture or doing an assigned reading, always take notes. You'll absorb key terms and ideas more quickly by writing them down immediately. Don't be afraid to ask classmates for a refresher if you miss a lecture.
Schedule your study time - Instead of squeezing study sessions in between classes, naps, and other responsibilities, treat studying like any other class or commitment. Pick a specific location that's quiet, and peaceful, and will give you plenty of room to work.
Organize your class materials - Instead of keeping one bulky binder or a backpack of loose paper, organize your notes and handouts into separate folders. This makes it easier to find what you need for each exam, keep your homework together, and prevent overwhelming clutter.
Take every extra opportunity to study - If a professor or TA offers an after-class study session or extra credit opportunity, try to fit it into your schedule. This doesn't just give you a stronger safety net in case you make a mistake in the future; it also shows your initiative as a student.
Study with a group or partner - Study groups usually meet before big tests, but many students have realized how helpful it is to help one another throughout the school year. You can exchange notes, and quiz each other.