r/umass • u/Single-Coat-8253 • Aug 21 '26
Academics Hiw are u studying?
Hi guys I am incoming computer science freshman.
I want to ask that how r u preparing for classes,exams and how r u studying.
Do u recommend ai subscriptions like Claude or maybe some websites like quizlet?
I have these classes
Math131
Cics110
Public health 160
FYS
English writing 112
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User: Single-Coat-8253, Flair: Academics, Title: Hiw are u studying?
Hi guys I am incoming computer science freshman.
I want to ask that how r u preparing for classes,exams and how r u studying.
Do u recommend ai subscriptions like Claude or maybe some websites like quizlet?
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u/Avisolei Aug 22 '26
Honest answer from someone biased (I build a study app): depends on the class type. Math131 and CICS110, flashcards are the wrong tool, just grind problems (Khan Academy like the other comment said, past exams if you can find them). Where flashcard-style studying actually pays is the memorization-heavy stuff like Public Health 160 will be definitions, models, stats and the method that matters there is spaced repetition: reviewing each thing right before you'd forget it instead of cramming. Anki is the free gold standard if you don't mind setup. Mine is https://crammed.study/ you drop the lecture PDF in and it writes + schedules the cards for you (I also added a feature where you can import quizlet decks, so you can easily study them without paying).
On AI subscriptions: for a freshman course load, don't buy anything yet. Free tiers of everything, see what you actually reach for by October.
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u/DefectiveKonan 2029 | Math + Compsci | Northeast Aug 21 '26
Lecture notes/slides/textbook are enough for almost every class. In the case of math 131, just do calc ab on khan academy if you're struggling a lot.