1. FILTER OUT DISTRACTIONS
1. FILTER OUT DISTRACTIONS
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You don’t have to study in a vacuum, but try filtering distractions and interruptions out
from your study environment.
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Don’t be afraid to ask people in advance to leave you alone while you’re studying.
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Try to reduce noise and visual distractions to a reasonable level.
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If you can’t, consider a different place to study.
2. SEPARATE WORK & PLAY
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Study in a different place than where you hang out or sleep - a separate study room, a
library, a classroom, or a coffee shop.
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Clearly designating one place for work and another for play can prevent unnecessary
procrastination and distraction.
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For this same reason try to keep work and sleep separate - don’t study in bed.
3. ORGANISE YOUR AREA
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Make sure you have everything you need at your desk within reach, so you won’t have
to get up in the midst of studying for a pencil or highlighter.
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Create a one-ring folder binder per subject.
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Include a revision checklist, an example of a marking scheme & past exam papers in
the folders.
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Use colour coded dividers to separate out the materials.
4. UNPLUG YOUR COMPUTER
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Ok, you may not want to literally unplug it - you’ll probably be using it to study.
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But find a way to unplug yourself from online distractions - log off from social
networking and chat on your computer and phone, or use a service like Cold Turkey to
block these for you.
5. THINK ABOUT YOUR POSTURE
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Posture is important, especially when spending long hours studying.
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You don’t need a perfect chair, but at least use a chair.
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If you find yourself aching after an hour of studying, consider switching
positions or seating.
6. TAKE REGULAR BREAKS
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Realise you’re only as productive as your brain is - and it needs regular breaks to
work at full capacity.
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A simple time management method is to work for 30 minutes, take a 2 minute break,
and resume work.
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Use a timer, take it seriously, and see how it works for you.
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Different timing works for different people, but it’s important to remember to take
breaks from any studying: stretch or walk around, and return to work with a clearer
mind.
7. SET A STUDY SCHEDULE
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Find time that works for you during the week, and give yourself set times to study.
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A schedule can be useful for breaking down a big assignment - like reading an entire
book - into smaller and more manageable pieces: a chapter every other day.
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Once you write a schedule, stick to it.
8. BE CONSISTENT
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If you study well in a library or at home, keep studying there.
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Don’t switch study places, especially close to an important deadline.
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Avoid drastic changes to your study area unless necessary - don’t give yourself any
new reasons to be distracted.
9. REMIND & MOTIVATE YOURSELF
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Fill your space with things that remind you about tasks and motivate you to complete
them.
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Use a calendar to make sure you keep deadlines and important dates and a simple todo list to prioritise tasks and get things done.
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Also, find small tokens and images that will motivate you; maybe a picture, or college
acceptance letter will provide a bit of necessary encouragement in the middle of the
night before an exam is due.
10. PERSONALISE IT
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Do you study better with your back to any windows? Or facing them?
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Do you like the complete silence of noise-cancelling headphones or listening to light
music?
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The best study environment is one that is personalised to how you study.
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Make it your own, and keep modifying it until it’s perfect.