These are strange times we live in. If you’re a college student who has been forced to study at home, you could feel as if you’ve been cast adrift on an unknown sea with no captain or land in sight. With no campus to attend and no teachers scolding you for poor exam marks, procrastination, rather than late-night parties, is keeping you away from your books these days. What’s the greatest technique to force oneself to study when your academic calendar is totally in your control? Here are some tried-and-true suggestions to consider.
Develop a Daily Routine
Finding a rhythm that works for you and sticking to it is essential. It’s time to create a schedule if you find yourself stumbling about the kitchen at 3 a.m., looking for munchies instead of obtaining the sleep you need to get through the next day. Even a sluggish schedule is preferable to none at all. Set a specific time to rise in the morning, a specific time to eat, and a specific time to study. You’re 1.2 times more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down.
Create a Super-Study Space
What is it that allows you to focus? Is this your favorite type of music? Is there complete silence? Snacks? Find out what helps you concentrate and create your own super-study zone. One of our favorite study tactics for college students is to create a welcoming environment. To make a room that motivates you to study, think beyond the box. This could include keeping teas or essential oils on hand to assist you in concentrating. It could imply bringing your favorite blanket or cushion into the room for added comfort. You might have calm music playing in the background or auto play set to your favorite band. To help you get through, keep a supply of brain food on hand, such as pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, walnuts, or almonds. For long study sessions, you might want to consider plugging in a coffee machine.
Change Your Surroundings
With social distancing regulations in effect, you can’t go to a coffee shop or a café. It would be reckless of you to do so, and you might end yourself in a fight with local cops. However, this does not preclude you from leaving the house. It’s time for a change of scenery if staring at the same four walls of your bedroom is pushing you into the arms of Netflix or Xbox. Find a quiet spot to study with your laptop or printed notes. Getting out of the house and experiencing a change of scenery, such as your own balcony, patio, or backyard, A distinct space in your home, such as the living room or the den or Library.
Studying with Colleagues
Find your classmates online and schedule a time to meet online or in person each week to quiz each other. Use a free video chat service like Facebook’s, Zoom, or Skype. Another excellent approach to study with a friend is to volunteer as an online tutor for another student in the same class. This will compel you to go over the content again and again, as well as participate in question-and-answer sessions. Plus, you’ll be assisting a buddy and possibly earning some money in exchange for your time.
Review Material Before Each Class
Take good notes and go over them with your lecturers before each lesson. This will assist you in being more prepared during the session, but there is an additional benefit. It will assist you remember the information if you hear it repeated back to you. If the sessions are live, record them so you can watch them later during your study sessions. Take notes throughout each session and then set aside a half hour to either re-type them or jot them down in a notebook so they’re neater and simpler to follow. By writing down the high points of each lecture once or twice, you’ll remember them better. You’ll also have legible notes to take with you when you leave the house to study.
Take Breaks
It is critical to take breaks. Breaks help you be more productive, regroup, and avoid burnout. It may appear like you need to study for as long as you possibly can, but if you don’t give your brain a chance to relax, it will begin to slow down. Taking pauses will allow you to get the most out of your study time while reducing stress.