My 3 study tips and favorite places to study as a UC nursing student
Here's how I stay on top of the academic demands of nursing school
By: Sarah Bussard, Bachelor of Science in Nursing '24; Nursing Student Ambassador; Peer Leader
Tip 1: Stay Organized
My planner
My first piece of advice is to stay organized with either a tangible or virtual planner. This has really helped me to separate homework time from study time from personal time. As a student who values the visual aspect, it is very beneficial to cross off tasks so that I can physically see what I have completed versus what I still need to do. Overall, staying organized has kept me level-headed and less stressed out about due dates and deadlines.
Tip 2: Use Student Support Resources
Another piece of advice I have is to utilize the Learning Commons resources — they have options for every student. For example, if you prefer to have one-on-one help, there are peer tutors available for the more rigorous courses. Also, if you prefer help in a group setting, there are supplemental instructors who hold weekly review sessions and all students are welcome. As a freshman, I attended two sessions per week to review Anatomy and Physiology content. This resource saved me and my grades. It is a great way to study the content as you go through the course, rather than studying for the exam and then forgetting the material.
Pro tip: Sometimes your professors will meet with your study group, if you just ask!
Sarah Bussard
Tip 3: Try Something New
My final piece of advice is to try out new study techniques. In high school, I always studied by myself. Having this alone time in a quiet space always helped me to be successful and I still use this technique, but I have learned the value of study groups. Teaching others is the best way to check your knowledge of the content. It is also very helpful to bounce ideas off of each other and ask for help. Pro tip: Sometimes your professors will meet with your study group, if you just ask!
Bonus: My Favorite Study Spots
My favorite place to study during freshman year was in the (Carl H.) Lindner College of Business. During COVID, it was silent because there were no classes on campus. Now that classes are back on campus, it gets very busy there. However, if you are able to sign out a private study room, it is an amazing space. As for this year, I discovered the Health Sciences Library on the Medical Campus. It is a huge space, so I never struggle to find space. I highly recommend this if you're willing to walk the 15 minutes it takes to get there. Finally, if you are in need of a lowkey study session and some coffee, The 86 is great!
Related Stories
DAAP co-op connects students with Fortune 500 companies
October 1, 2026
University of Cincinnati DAAP students gain co-op experience with Fortune 500 companies across design, architecture, art, and planning disciplines.
UC Speech & Hearing Clinic serves patients while acting as training site
September 30, 2026
The University of Cincinnati's Speech & Hearing Clinic provides graduate students in audiology and speech-language pathology with hands-on experience while delivering care to patients across the region. Located on the university's medical campus, the clinic serves patients of all ages and was recently featured on Spectrum News 1 Ohio.
Now strollers are getting an electric upgrade
September 30, 2026
Following the trend of e-bikes and e-scooters, several baby gear brands have announced strollers with battery-boosted assist and other autonomous features. But are these pricey new strollers (most cost more than $2,000) just a flashy status symbol, or can they deliver real benefits? A University of Cincinnati disability expert recently offered her perspective to Forbes.