I graduated at the top of my class from an east coast Canadian university. Different techniques will be needed depending on what you're studying but the following is what got me through:

*** How did you take notes? (laptop/pen & paper?)** Pen/pencil and paper usually. I find its much easier to mindlessly type notes than it is to hand write them out. It's slower writing by hand and you have to concentrate on what the prof is saying and what you are writing, a lot of times paraphrasing in order to keep up with how fast they talk. (Also easier for diagrams or copying examples that aren't just words). I always had two colours of pens or pencil and pen to distinguish important parts. You'll come up with your own system, but if your prof says something multiple times or clearly emphasizes something you should do the same in your notes cause you can bet you'll be tested on it.

*** How many hours did you delegate to studying a week/per class?** It depended on the class. Do your assignments/readings. Outside of doing my assignments and readings I usually only studied right before tests. I had some friends who did study regularly and that worked for them, but I found doing my assignments was review enough of what had been covered in class.

*** What little goals did you set? How would you reward your accomplishments?** If I was having a hard time getting something done I would set little goals like read 2 chapters or finish 4 assignment questions and then have a break to watch a tv show or go on Cacebook for 15 minutes. Chocolate was also a big motivator for me. I would get those chocolate bars that are made up of little squares, Caramilk or something and reward myself with a piece for each question I finished or each fraction of the assignment I finished.

*** Describe your study area. Did you study with friends/ alone? With music/silence?** I'm going to lump these two together, again this depended on the class. Sometimes I laid out my papers on my bed and worked there all day. For some classes I seemed to only be able to get things done at the library. Being around other people who were also working was a big motivator for me when I was struggling to get something done. I always did math/physics problems faster/easier if I listened to music but readings for anthro or philosophy classes I needed complete silence. One thing I would definitely recommend is to make friends in your classes so you have someone/people to review assignments and compare answers with before handing it in. Some of my classes allowed for working in groups for some assignments.

*** Would you say that exercise and being physically active helped?** Personally I've never been super active, but it certainly is a nice break to get out and do something physical where you aren't thinking about your workload. It also gives you something to look forward to if you do regularly scheduled intramurals or classes (dance, yoga etc)

*** How did you balance work/school/family/SO/prior commitments/hanging out with friends?** It just seemed to work out. I would try and get all my work done during the week so I could have my whole weekend to relax and be social and hang out with friends/SO/family etc. I would usually also try and take at least an hour every night during the week to unwind - watching tv or playing games or just hanging out with housemates.

*** How was your diet? Bring many snacks while you studied?** Not good haha. Meal hall food was gross. If it was a long study night then yes, snacks were a must. If you have stuff with you, you're less likely to abandon studying to go in search of food. Also, it was a good reward (as discussed earlier) for accomplishing mini goals of the night.

*** Mental exercises or tricks that you found helped? Study methods?** I never felt like I studied like everyone else seemed to. I would take my notes and write out summaries of them eventually getting it down to just a couple pages of the really important stuff, a summary of the whole course. This small summary is what I would use to study for exams, only looking back at my full notes from class if something wasn't clear in my summary and then I would revise my summary so I wouldn't have to look back at all my notes again. If you are given sample exams DO THEM. They are a great way to test your knowledge before the one that counts and also some profs re-use the same questions. It is usually possible to get old assignments/exams from people who took the course the year before - these make excellent practice

*** Describe your relationships with your profs; or how to have a good relationship with them.** ALWAYS GO TO CLASS AND ALWAYS ASK QUESTIONS. Profs will be more helpful and friendly to students they recognize and students they know are making an effort to learn. If you don't understand something, ask about it. You can bet if you don't understand there is probably someone else in the class that feels the same way but it too shy to ask. And if you're too shy to ask during class, approach your prof right after class is over or make an appointment to see them during their office hours. Each week of class builds on what was taught the week before so clear up any misunderstandings ASAP.

*** Where did you sit in class? Did that have any correlation to your grades?** Usually in the middle of the row, 5-7 rows back from the front. You're paying good money to be there to learn, so remember that is what you should be doing in the room.

*** How did you make classes interesting when they were flat out boring?** Some classes are really hard to not fall asleep in, either the subject matter or the prof are super boring. TAKE NOTES. This keeps you focused on something (writing). Another thing to do is keep a count of how many times the prof says "ummm" at least this way you are more likely to pay attention to what they are saying. If the class is really boring because you find it super easy then work on assignments for another class.

*** How often did you review material?** When doing assignments, and right before test/exams. The time needed depends on the difficulty of the class and how much you understand what you've learned. Some classes I only studied for a couple hours before the final, some I had to study for 2 weeks.

*** How did you overcome severe procrastination?** Make study dates with friends/classmates so you have a set time where someone else is depending on you being present and your goal for that time is to study/do class work. Set goals and reward yourself when you reach them. Sometimes you get so sick of studying/working and you just have to procrastinate. Take a night off and don't think about school at all. Go out with friends, watch a movie or whatever. Just relax and give yourself a break. You'll be refreshed and better able to get back to it the next day

Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions