The following advice may seem obvious, but is important.
• Consider where you read. Always read in a well-lit and quiet place that is free of distractions, and don’t get into the habit of reading uni materials in bed! (unless you want to go to sleep).
• Don’t vocalise as you read. This will slow you down, it won’t help concentration, and it will lead to bad reading approaches.
• Read at times when you can concentrate, and maintain concentration by taking regular short breaks, perhaps every 30 or 45 minutes.
• Set yourself reading tasks (10 pages, 1 chapter, 1 section of a chapter etc).
• Remember that reading often takes longer than you expect and you often need to go beyond set texts. Give yourself enough time!