Here are ten bad study habits that college students often develop-- and some tips on how to avoid these academic pitfalls.

Learning how to study successfully in college is a challenge for most students. Because of the many ways that college is different than high school, students have a good deal to learn when it comes to proper study skills. Here are some of the most common study skills mistakes that college students make-- and some tips on how to avoid them.

1. Poor Attendance.

This may be the most common student mistake-- and the most unavoidable. If you want to succeed in college, you need to be in class all or most of the time. There's no way around that.

2. Poor Notetaking Skills.

Unfortunately, many students come to college without having mastered this critical skill. To succeed in school, you need to learn how to listen actively and take accurate, thorough lecture notes. Here are some tips on how to take effective class notes.

3. Poor Time Management Skills.

Many college students are overwhelmed with multiple academic and other responsibilities, so learning to manage your time is essential. Here are some time management tips for students.

4. Last Minute Work.

If you write a paper at the last minute, it shows. If you try to do the reading at the last minute for the test that's tomorrow, you're unlikely to do well on the test. While it may be impossible to completely avoid the experience of pulling an all-nighter, do the best you can to keep up with the work on the syllabus.

5. Procrastination.

Of course, the issue of last minute work is related to procrastination. Learning to stay focused is a skill, especially with so many distractions like Facebook and video games around campus. Here are some the top college student study distractions, and how to avoid them.

6. Failure to Read Directions.

If your instructor hands you a detailed description of how to write an assignment, read the description very carefully and follow directions. If you have any questions, ask the instructor, and if he or she goes over the assignment in class, listen carefully and take notes. It's plenty frustrating to work hard on assignment and receive a low grade because you failed to follow instructions.

7. Over-reliance on Other Students.

Asking a friend to take notes for you when you're absent is a risk you should only take when absolutely necessary. And study groups can be an effective way to prepare for a test, but only if you conduct them correctly and don't rely on the other students to do all the work. Here are some tips on how to conduct an effective study group.

8. Over-reliance on the Internet.

The Internet has made student research so much easier than it was a decade ago. Unfortunately, students can over-rely on the Internet and ignore other ways to do research. What's more, you're more likely to encounter inaccuracies on the Internet than in a book or article. When using the Internet, always verify the information you find online by looking at other sources.

9. Plagiarism.

Fortunately, most students don't plagiarize-- but it's still a serious problem on college campuses. In most cases, plagiarism occurs because a student has a looming deadline and panics. Here are some important reasons why you should avoid plagiarism.

10. Failure to Ask for Help.

Professors and TAs probably aren't going to seek out students who need help-- but that doesn't mean help isn't available. If you have questions, ask. Visit office hours whenever necessary. In addition, seek out other help on campus, such as the writing center.

Remember, learning how to study is a process. If your study habits are not what they should be, assess what you need to change and do your best to improve. No student is perfect, but if you put in the effort to study more effectively, you'll find yourself improving quite a bit over time.