So, studying tends to suck. But when I get back to school in the fall, I'll be telling people with a smile on my face that this summer, I studied almost every day. And it was fun.

Now, would you believe me if I told you that it started with Tumblr?

If you have a Tumblr, you've probably seen tons of posts on "how to write an essay," or "how to email your professors" or even that infamous master-list of websites that provide (illegal) PDFs of college textbook pages. In reality, those posts are just tiny little windows into an enormous, and quickly growing community of blogs known as "studyblrs."

Yes, the same blogging platform that serves as the home base of so many fandoms, memes, night-bloggers and microbloggers also hosts the hundreds of thousands of people who just want to talk about studying!

These blogs range widely in focus. Most are very general, but subcategories of studyblrs include appblrs (tumblrs that offer advice and resources for students applying to college or grad school), and langblrs (made by students who are actively learning foreign languages). Not surprisingly, there are even major-specific blogs, like "medblrs" and "lawblrs" that cater respectively to med students and law students.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the studyblr community is its congenial atmosphere. It's common for popular studyblrs to personally welcome fresh ones, and even promote them to their followers. Blogs also respond to frequently asked questions, whether they be about study tips, online study resources, advice on choosing classes and majors, or even where the person bought the stationary shown in their photo posts. Some make printable calendar and note-taking templates for those of us who aren't the most organized or artistic. Below is a screenshot of one of my favorite studyblr's archive:

Since the studyblr movement is also international, and cross-generational, it's virtually all-inclusive. A 13-year-old blogger (yes, they're out there) now has access to an entire community of upperclassmen that's thrilled to assist them. An art student in the U.S. can talk to an art student in Italy. People can have language exchanges through Tumblr's chat feature. The possibilities are endless.

One consistent objection against the community is its overall tendency to centralize the "studyblr aesthetic" of Muji notebooks, G2 pens, and Mildliner highlighters; a quick gander around the #studyblr or #studyspo (short for "study inspiration) tag would show you exactly what I mean. Even so, most blogs make it very clear in their writing that pretty notes and expensive stationery are nothing compared to genuine effort and diligence. It's not just for the well-to-do, or the super smart. It's for anyone who wants to start taking their education seriously in a new way.

I've had the best time starting my own studyblr and finding out for myself just how beneficial it is to learn from, and contribute to this community. It's amazing just how clever and creative people get with their note-taking! I'd encourage you all to give this studyblr thing a look-see, and maybe even start your own. With fall semester just around the corner, a new perspective on studying might be just what we all need.