Study every day!  Several short sessions are usually better than one long one.  Strivew for two or three sessions every day you study.  The first two sessions could cover new material each time; the third session could review the previous two.

Most stdents can maintain their concentration for at least 20 to 30 minutes; if the material is interesting to you, push it to 45 to 60 minutes.  If you get sleepy, confused, or your attention wanders, it is time to quit.  Take a break - get some exercise, take a shower, have something to eat (no alcohol!) - return to studying when you feel refreshed.  There are reports that sleeping after learning something new can aid in remembering it.

Have a routine for your study sessions, if at all possible.  Study at the same time, in the same place each day.  If possible, choose a quiet, neutral place, away from distractions of domestic responsibilities, roommates, temptations (TV, videos, parties, food, etc - after all, we don't want this to be fun!).  You can reward yourself when the session is over.

Set attainable goals for each study session.  Read a predetermined number of pages, learn a given number of terms, processes, etc.  Whatever goal you set for yourself, make sure it is realistic and reasonable, then do it!  This will give you a goal you can reach, and a sense of accomplishment when you have.

Pace yourself.  If you have to learn 30 new terms in the next week, set a goal of learning 6 each day for 5 days, then you will have 2 days to review.

Make lists of terms, definitions, root words, etc.  Flashcards may help - carry them with you to review whenever you have free time.

Practice associating what is new or what you don't understand to what you do understand.  Make connections.  Relate what you read in textbooks to what is going on in your own life.

Give yourself credit for what you already know.  Build on the foundation of knowledge you have acquired in just being alive and reasonably alert for the past many years.

If you are a visual learner, draw diagrams from life, trace or copy diagrams from textbooks until you understand them.  The physical act itself of drawing and writing can be reinforcing.  Imagine what a structure would look like from another aspect - turn it 90 or 180 degrees in your mind.

If you are an auditory learner, make tapes of those topics you are studying, and listen to them while driving, etc., as well as during study sessions.

Think constantly about what you have learned.  Review in your mind whenever you have the chance - when you're driving, waiting in line, showering, etc.

Avail yourself of the many study aids available - review books, diagrams, computer programs, videos, your fellow students and professors!  There are also counselors available to help with study strategies that can be tailored to your personality.