1. Make a playlist
I’ve heard that classical music is supposed to be the best to listen to while studying. However, I personally can’t focus on wordless boring music that doesn’t draw me in, and I’m not always in the mood for classical. So, while making my study playlist I stick to calmer, quieter music that doesn’t demand my attention. For example, I incorporate bands like A Fine Frenzy, Mumford and Sons, The Lumineers, Zack Brown Band and other stuff that I love, but isn’t too loud and distracting like The Red Hot Chili Peppers or rap music which would be more pump up. However, I do speckle in a few louder songs every now and then to grab my attention and bring me back to the task at hand in case my mind had drifted as it usual does. I also toss in a few motivational songs to make sure I stay positive. A few other things I make sure to do are make the playlist long enough that it has variety and put my favorite songs in there so I look forward to studying while listening to it.
2. Make a plan
This can be different for everyone but for me I usually set aside a large block of free time to studying. Before I start studying (since I cant focus if I jump in blind), I first clean my area and organize the things I have to get done. Some ways I do this is by make a list of everything I need to be working on. Then I order the list by how urgent each task is and I throw in a few simple, little things so I can feel the accomplishment of checking those things off. Next I pull out all of the work I have to do and print any directions I need, organize that work by due date, make a neat little pile and voila! I begin.
Another way to do this that ive started using recently is by pulling out each classes folder and organizing them on a surface (usually my bed). I then thank any work that need to be done for each class and put that either in the folder outside of the pockets, or on top of the folder. Next I take a sticky note and place one on the front of each folder (I try to use a bright color that will stand out form the folder) and take a dark or colorful pen and do bullet points of everything I have to get done in that class. On the bottom of the sticky, or next to the task, I write the due date. I then organize those folders according to urgency and begin.
3. Get rid of distractions
Distractions are quite possibly the biggest hurdle to getting stuff done. And when the midterms roll around, there’s no longer any time to waste. So in order to get those distractions out of the way, I try to go to a place that doesn’t have any distractions. For me, this is usually the library but really its different for everyone. Some of my friends prefer their dorm desk but I just have too many other things I end up doing in my dorm.
Next, I give myself five minutes or less to look at all the social media on my phone, to check my texts, respond to snap chats and anything else I might need. Once the five is up, I put my headphones in, turn the phone upside down and begin. For some this is easier than others. You can also put your phone on airplane mode or do not disturb to prevent yourself from checking it or give yourself a reward of checking your phone once you get something on the list done. Turning off your phone is also an option but this would require another music source.
4. Color code / Doodle
While doing study guides or taking notes, I used different colored pens for different things. I make each new unit a different heading color or use a special color for definitions or words that are important. I also find that underlining important words with a certain color makes them pop and stick in my mind longer.
As for doodling, I often draw models or examples of things that I need to remember in order to have a visual. It’s one thing to look at a model but drawing makes it that much more understandable for me.
5. Re write, re write, re write
Not everyone has the time for this, but if you do I highly recommend it. To study for my bio midterm, I took notes on the key things he emphasized in class, then took notes on the entire PowerPoint after or before the lecture (outside of class). Then once it was time to really studying for the midterm I bought a new notebook, some colorful pens that I liked writing with and re-wrote all the chapter notes that would be on the test. It was tedious as heck but it worked. Once I re-wrote the notes, they were much neater and easier to study and before I even went back to look at them I took a practice test and did fairly well.
6. Don't stay on one topic for too long... or in one place
This is a tactic I’ve been using for a while whenever I feel myself getting slower and less focused on my work. As I feel myself getting drained on a topic I put it to the side once I get to a good stopping point and move onto something that seems for interesting on my list. For example, today I was studying for philosophy and I noticed my mind drifting so I set it aside and wrote my article for Odyssey instead.
Another tactic for feeling drained is to switch locations. I’ve noticed that being in one place for too longs make getting work done pretty hard. So for those long study days I usually split my time. I work for a few hours in my dorm or a study lounge then transfer over to the library for the second half.
7. Study breaks
This is another great way to battle drainage (or as I call is Slow Work Syndrome). After a few hours of good work, reward yourself with a fifteen-minute break. This can be between switching locations or just used as reward and a way to regain focus. Because our minds can only stay on task for so long, it’s important to take a break. In this time go for a walk, take a stretch or do some yoga, eat a snack or drink some coffee to recharge or just sit there on your phone and rest. But make sure you get back to work afterwards! It might be a good idea to set a timer so you don’t take advantage of the break.
Another option is to work for a longer period of time, like a few hours, then take an hour break and go to the gym or do some exercise or eat a meal. In that time your brain can recharge so you can get back to work better than ever afterwards.
Overall, it’s important to stay organized and create a study space that pampers you so you don’t have to dread studying and you’ll be rewarded with A’s in no time!
