College introduces such a new environment academically to freshmen. When I first arrived at "Work" Forest, I had no idea how I was going to manage to keep up with my classes and a social life. Although you may physically be in class less time than you ever were in high school, time management, and just studying in general is kind of new to everyone. Yeah, you probably studied for 15 minutes before a vocabulary test in the lunch room, but you probably are not used to spending five hours, a week or two in advanced, studying for a test. So now that I am such an experienced college student (one month into things) I've adapted my studying habits to fit the new "college environment."
1. Use your phone as an incentive, instead of a distraction.
Everyone spends at least an hour of their time "studying," on their phone checking some sort of social media app. This leads to a lot less studying, and a lot more wasting time. So instead of cutting your phone off 100% and putting it away, which don't get me wrong is a great strategy if you are strong willed, use your phone as a reward system with yourself. Tell yourself that every 50 pages you read, you get to spend five minutes on your phone. You would be surprised at how much faster you get your reading done. This system also works with food. Create a reward system with candy or your favorite food, and tell yourself if you answer five chemistry problems, you get a bag of skittles. This may sound a little childish, but any sort of self reward or motivation really is effective.
2. Be productive in between classes.
In high school you were probably used to having maybe seven minutes in between classes, but in college you could potentially have hours. I know it might be difficult to ditch the nap time, but sometimes it is just necessary. Sometimes after being in class, you still have that productive mindset to get work done, so take advantage of that and go straight to the library. Even if it is only for 30 minutes, that is less work for you to do late that night. Also, sometimes just that extra burst of sunlight from outside can keep you going a lot more than when it is dark outside. So pack your books to study before class, so that you don't have to go back to your room and face the temptation of your comfy bed, and then get straight to work.
3. Find the perfect study spot.
College provides you with so many different locations where you have the perfect distraction free environment. Everyone works better in different places, and some people are more tolerant of noise and visual distractions than others, so you just have to figure out what works best for you. I, personally, have discovered so many beautiful outside locations that are secluded enough to keep me from getting distracted. This is nice when there is a cool breeze because it keeps you wide awake, and it can actually make studying somewhat enjoyable. Also be sure to keep the library in consideration, even if you did not go much in high school. College libraries provide so many more secret hideouts, so quiet that one can hear a pin drop. These places are great for studying for tests, or when you really just need to crank some work out with zero distractions. So take advantage of all of these new locations to study in, and figure out which one works best for you.
Good study habits are the key to success at college. So figure out a routine that works best for you, and stick to it. Try and add some elements of fun or nature to your studies, and you might be surprised at how well it all works out.
