It’s always important to develop good study habits and form a routine when it comes to being academically productive. Some students struggle with finding enough time to dedicate to their studies, but I’ve learned to use the library to my advantage. As someone who frequents the library, I would like to think I've mastered a plan to make all my library trips successful. Read below to find tips to make your library trip more worthwhile along with a few of my study hacks.
1. Plan first. When going to the library, know why you're going. It's best to make out a library to-do list. A to-do list helps to make sure all work is completed and not forgotten. Second, a list creates a sense of accomplishment. It is a refreshing feeling each time you place a check mark beside each completed task. Knowing why you're going will also enable you to set a time frame for how long you will be there.
2. Time management is key. Setting a time frame helps you to stay focused because you will have to complete a certain number of tasks in a specific time frame. In a sense, it's a race against the clock. The time frame isn't meant to rush you, so making sure assignments are done efficiently is top priority. Be careful to allow ample time to actually complete assignments.
3. Create a library starter pack. My library starter pack includes my must-have library essentials: snacks, headphones, devices and chargers, comfortable clothes, and books and other class materials. I make it my business to have all of these before heading to the library. If I forget to bring an item from the above list, it's tempting to leave the library to go get them, but this takes away from my set time schedule. So it's important to take care of the library must-haves in the planning stage.
4. Uninterrupted Study. For every 20 minutes of uninterrupted study I take a five-minute breather. The five minutes can include a bathroom break, blasting my favorite song, talking to my study buddies or scrolling through social media. Knowing every 20 minutes I'll have a break encourages me to work hard with no interruptions because I'll have a five-minute reward.
5. Bring the right crowd. If you're planning to study with a group of people, keep it small. The more people, the greater the chance to get off task. Let your crew know your plan and how you plan to take breaks so everyone is on the same page. It's also important to understand your study buddies don't have to study the same subject as you. I've found that my study sessions are more efficient when I don't have anyone to talk to about the subject matter I'm working on.
6. Find an unconventional library. All great study sessions don't happen in the library. Find a place that provides the most comfort paired with the least amount of distractions. An unconventional library for me at Troy University is the Bibb Graves lobby. I've also found myself getting work done at a local coffee shop and even Burger King during a spur-of-the-moment food run.
7. Study weekly. Set aside a time for a weekly study session. Plan study nights, whether they are at the unconventional library or the actual one. Junior year, my friends and I deemed Friday night study night. We would gather at one of our apartments and get ahead on the next week's assignments or study for upcoming tests. Most people see Friday as the party night, but we used Friday as a continuation of the school day, and our study night often left Saturday and Sunday free to enjoy the weekend.
8. Classical music. Another hack I introduced just this semester is playing classical music on Pandora while studying. My coursework requires a lot of reading so the classical music provides background noise to keep me from getting bored or reading in total silence. For me, classical music also doesn't lead to distractions, as opposed to music genres like R&B.
Studying isn’t easy and is definitely not something most people are thrilled to do, but with the proper system studying doesn’t have to be all bad. Use the above tips and hacks to rack up the good grades!
