As the fall semester quickly creeps up on all of us, there are a few things to remember when it comes to studying. Don’t freak out if you can’t make yourself buckle down and study when your very first test rolls around, most people can’t either. Personally, it took me my whole freshman year to figure out what studying technique worked for me, and I believe a lot of that had to do with not being taught how to study in high school. In high school, all we had to do for tests was memorize a bunch of topics that would leave our brains the second the test was over; in college, it’s gonna take more than memorization to pass a class. Here are a few tips to consider when studying in college for the very first time:

1. Go someplace comfortable.

When you’re studying, chances are you won’t be having any fun. It’s important to be physically relaxed, even if your brain is being overloaded with several weeks’ worth of information.

2. Listen to music that won’t distract you.

One of the biggest problems I had was the type of music I was listening to. It was distracting because I wanted to sing along with it, so my mind wasn’t focused on reading the material in front of me. My personal favorite for studying is classical music; you can look up classical music for studying on YouTube and plenty of song compilations will show up.

3. Spread out.

Don’t overcrowd your study space with handouts, notes, and textbooks. Chances are you’re already feeling overwhelmed by studying, you don’t want to look the part as well. If everything you have is piled up in one small area, you will quickly become flustered, making it that much harder to pay attention to what you’re studying.

4. Study at your own pace.

Usually professors will tell you to start studying for a test a whole week in advance. When I first heard that I got scared because I thought that meant tests in college will be long and strenuous. A whole week out may be good for some classes, but if that seems like too much to you, don’t do it. I normally start studying two or three days before, but that’s because I have other classes’ homework to do at the same time. Tests should be your priority, but don’t forget about the other work that needs to get done.

5. Don’t forget the snacks.

Even though you’ll want to stock up on coffee and energy drinks, don’t forget that you actually need to eat, too. Granola bars and fruit is my personal favorite, but if you feel like pigging out on all kinds of candy or chips, go for it. Just remember to eat actual meals every once in awhile.

6. Avoid watching TV.

Yes, that includes Netflix. I know it sounds hard to resist binge watching your favorite Netflix series, but while you’re studying, using something you’re interested in as background noise will continue to distract you. Save the Netflix for study breaks.

7. Take a break!

Once you’ve been at it for a while, your brain just needs a break. Now would be the appropriate time for Netflix, and probably a nap. Use this time to your advantage and let your mind relax for a while. I wouldn’t suggest taking a break to skip class though.

8. Go for a walk, a bike ride, or a drive.

Clear your mind for a bit. If you’re having problems studying anymore than you already have, go explore a new part of campus that you haven’t been to, or a new part of town that you’ve never ventured to. There’s just something about late night explorations that gets you motivated for passing your test.

9. Find your favorite place on campus and study there.

Whether it’s the top floor of the library where most people never go, or the basement of the student union, pick somewhere you can go back to each time you have to study. Eventually it’ll feel comfortable and you can relax there. You’ll get way more done when you have your own little spot to spread out in every time.

10. Try to focus on finding what study technique works for you.

There are so many different ways out there, a simple Google search can help you with that. Whether you use notecards to memorize vocabulary or you read your notes out loud to yourself, I guarantee someone out there studies the same way you do. It may take a few tries to see what’ll work best, but you’ll get there.

11. Just do it.

We all know nobody really wants to study, but it’s just part of being in college. Nobody is gonna hold your hand and tell you when you need to study; it’s all on you now. You determine whether you will pass the class or not. If you try to wing it here in college, things aren’t gonna turn out so well for you. So in the wise words of Shia LaBeouf, “Just do it.”