Effective Note-Taking Strategies for Uni Students
Ever zoned out in a lecture, only to realize your notes are a jumbled mess of half-sentences? One of my students, Mia, once showed me her notebook - doodles and random keywords, useless for exam prep. Sound familiar? Great note-taking is a uni game-changer, helping you ace tests and nail assignments. These five science-backed strategies will transform your scribbles into study gold, keeping you focused and ready to crush it.
Try the Cornell Method
Divide your page into three sections: a narrow left column for keywords, a wide right column for main notes, and a bottom section for summaries. Jot lecture points on the right, add cues like “key term” on the left, and summarize below. This method organizes chaos. Studies show it boosts retention by 25%, making review sessions way easier.
Focus on Key Ideas
Don’t transcribe every word - capture big concepts and examples, like “supply-demand shifts” in economics. Use bullet points or mind maps to simplify. Highlight one main idea per slide or section. Studies say summarizing key ideas improves comprehension, helping you grasp and recall complex topics without drowning in details.
Go Digital with Apps
Use apps like Notion to type, tag, and search notes. Record lectures (with permission) for backup, then sync audio with notes. Digital tools save time and keep notes tidy. Studies show organized digital note-taking enhances study efficiency, especially for revising on the go.
Review Notes Weekly
Spend 10 minutes every Sunday reviewing your notes - rewrite messy bits, fill gaps, and quiz yourself on key points. This locks info in your brain before exams. One of my students turned weekly reviews into a coffee-shop ritual, boosting their grades. Studies highlight that regular review cuts cramming and improves long-term recall by 30%.
Use Visuals and Symbols
Draw quick diagrams, like flowcharts for biology processes, or use symbols (e.g., “!” for important, “?” for unclear). These make notes scannable and engaging. A simple sketch can clarify tough concepts. Studies show visuals enhance memory, helping you retrieve info faster during tests.
Take Notes Like a Pro
Note-taking doesn’t have to be a chore. With the Cornell method, key ideas, digital apps, weekly reviews, and visuals, you’ll build notes that make studying a breeze. For more academic tips, visit Universities Australia to level up.
Your next set of killer notes is waiting - start scribbling today!
References
Australian Government (2023) Universities Australia: Academic resources for students. Canberra: Universities Australia. Available at: https://www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au (Accessed: 6 June 2025).
Kiewra, K. A. (1989) ‘A review of note-taking: The encoding-storage paradigm’, Educational Psychology Review, 1(2), pp. 147–172. doi: 10.1007/BF01326640.
Mayer, R. E. (2009) Multimedia learning. 2nd edn. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Mueller, P. A. and Oppenheimer, D. M. (2014) ‘The pen is mightier than the keyboard’, Psychological Science, 25(6), pp. 1159–1168. doi: 10.1177/0956797614524581.
Disclaimer
This blog contains links to external websites and platforms for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or compensated by any of the organisations, platforms, or services mentioned. All references are provided to support students and readers in accessing useful resources.
Permission was obtained from the student mentioned in this blog before publishing their details.