If you need things to be quiet, turn off all TVs, stereos, i-pods, etc within your hearing range, maybe even grab some ear plugs (they probably sell them at your school’s book store). If you can’t stand silence (I can’t) put on some kind of quiet music that you know really well. That way, you won’t be straining to hear the words while you should be studying.

Next, make yourself as relaxed and comfortable as possible. Eat a good hearty meal, put on comfy sweats, grab a cup of coffee, and get everything you need in front of you. Start studying, do so for an hour or so, then take a 5 minute break.

It was my experience that if I let myself get too stressed out then I never remembered anything I read. Even if you’re just stressing about not being able to focus, that might hurt your ability to remember things come test time. Relax and take things one step at a time.