This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Syracuse chapter.
Professors, parents, and experts all love to give their insight into the best methods to remain focused and do the one thing you are at college for: studying. But the problem is, they don’t seem to understand all of the tempting distractions that we battle on any given day. Here are some tips that take into account both the dire need to socialize and the workload that disrupts one’s social schedule.
Â
1. iPhone on Do Not Disturb
Â
- Many collegiettes have yet to realize one of the best iPhone features. Admit it, while trying to read boring textbooks or write a paper, your phone is facing up on the desk right next to you. Constantly vibrating and lighting up, it is impossible to resist answering all of the people texting you. It’s not your fault you are so popular…but sometimes you have to silence the constant alerts from your fans. Hit the settings icon and then “Do Not Disturb.” When this feature is on, calls and other alerts will be silenced while the phone is locked. Don’t fear, if someone needs to reach you in an emergency, a second call from the same number will alert you.Â
2. Get it done in the AM
- Studies have shown that the human brain is most productive in the morning. We are well rested and are less likely to put tasks off for later. BONUS: if you finish everything in the morning, you will have time to go to that party later or lay in bed binge-watching season 5 of Gossip Girl on Netflix with no regrets.
3.Study in a quiet area where you don’t know anyoneÂ
- We all know those places on campus where we go to feign productivity. But in reality, just because you are at the library doesn’t mean you are doing library things. And even if you aren’t doing “fake work”, there is a very strong possibility that one of your friends will walk past and start talking your ear off just as you start to become immersed in your reading. Find a spot on campus (other than Club Bird) where you don’t know anyone and can become a hermit for a few hours. Let study time be for studying and social time be for socializing. Separating the two will let you maximize both.
4.Take Breaks (but not too often)
- Research has shown that we can only remain focused on a task for a limited amount of time. Take a 30-minute break every two hours to maximize your brainpower. And hey, the longer you go before taking a break to check your phone, the more texts will be waiting for you!
Â