Studying and college go together like chips and dip. They are two entities that can totally exist without the other, but who really wants one without the other? Studying in college is not only widely accepted, it is expected.

Professors in college aren't like your teachers in high school. High school teachers will walk you through one chapter of a textbook for a month, just to make sure you understand the material. They'll hold your hand through the process of studying. They may even take time out of their personal schedules to help you study (give you the answers and expect you to be able to regurgitate that information during a test or exam). In college, you're lucky if you get any help other than the syllabus.

Don't get me wrong, here at Oswego some professors hold extensive office hours. During those hours you can go in and ask any question you'd like. Some even give an extra email on the syllabus that they'll answer at any time of the day, but they're not all like that. Some professors create their connection to the college to be minimal. From the moment they get to their car in the parking lot and exit campus is the moment they probably drop any thought of a college campus. So what do you do if you have a question at 7 p.m. or 6 a.m.? That's where study groups come in. Depending who you surround your studies with will determine the effectiveness of studying time.

1. The silent study group

Study groups are not all the same. Some are quiet, some are loud, some are helpful, and some are just an excuse to hang out with friends. Here are some of the study groups you may run into:

1. The silent study group

This is the study group that meets just so that each person isn't alone as they read over their notes. No one in this group has the same major and if they do, they definitely don't act like it. Each person in the group does their own thing. Some listen to music through their headphones, while others listen to the soft hum of the lights. My problem with this group is as follows: it is entirely too boring. If your body makes any of those awkward noises it makes naturally, everyone will just know.

2. The social studiers

This group is one of my personal favorites. This is the group that decides to study and socialize. The group, whether made of friends, or strangers, is quite social. They study, like the first group, but they make a point to interact with each other. Verbal communication is needed and necessary especially in college. This group voices their concerns as they study. Not to discredit the integrity first group, I am just against sitting silently in a room with others.

3. The (party, pizza, music) study group

This is probably the most interesting group of them all. This group brings the books, and the knowledge, but they don't use them. Ok, maybe they study for the first ten minutes, but after that its social hour. It starts with one person unplugging their headphones and letting the group hear their "great" taste in music. Then, another person mentions that they're hungry and a bit quenched. Of course, a pizza is ordered (I love you, laker dining dollars). The next thing you know, the books have been pushed to the side and are eventually forgotten. Study group has turned into a social affair.

Whatever your preference for your study group is (I think mine is pretty clear) make sure it works for you. There's nothing worse than being in an ineffective study group.

Special thanks to the study groups that let me sit in during their session(s). It was quite interesting.