Now that I’m in my second year attending Texas A&M, I’ve tried many studying techniques in an attempt to enhance my productivity. While some studying tips did work, others did not help me and my studying at all. Furthermore, I decided to compile a list of my favorite studying tips that make me feel better about the long list of tasks I have waiting for me daily.
- Listen to “Study with me” videos
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I personally love to study with friends, but everyone has a different schedule, and sometimes friends just become a distraction. To overcome that, I try to listen to “Study With Me” videos on Youtube. This is honestly one of my favorite hacks because I still feel that motivation of having someone to keep me accountable, but I also only have to rely on myself for it. One of my favorite type of Youtube videos to put in the background while I study are coffee shop videos because I get to feel like I’m in a coffee shop while still being in the comfort of my own home.
- learn when you are most productive
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I know that sometimes, it’s impossible to control when you can study. However, if you can, I strongly suggest figuring out what type of person you are. Are you a morning bird or a night owl? Do you normally feel tired in the afternoon? I have found out that I’m a morning person, so I try to get all my work done earlier rather than later. I also know that once it gets too late at night, I might as well call it a day because I won’t work as well.
Planning around those dips in energy is the best way to ensure that you’re studying efficiently. Otherwise, you may study but not actually retain any information.
- Study in different places
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I love having a planned study spot for my study sessions. However, I am always changing up that study spot in order to keep myself from slacking off. I find that if I study in the same area too many times in a row, I start to dread studying. I obviously have study spots that I like more than others like the MSC, but I still try to not only study there. Having at least 3-4 study spots that you alternate is a great way to avoid that monotonous feeling that studying can bring about.
- take actual breaks
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Unfortunately, I’ve learned that scrolling through TikTok is not a proper break from studying. Going from staring at one screen to another is not the break your brain and eyes actually need. Some breaks that I try to incorporate into my study routine are taking a walk, taking a short 10 minute nap (or just closing my eyes for 10 minutes), and eating a snack without any electronics. While I still struggle to give myself proper breaks, I have found that I study better when I actually let myself rest.
- romanticize it
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To be perfectly honest, studying is not always fun. However, you can trick your mind into thinking that it is fun! In order to romanticize, I try to appeal to my five senses. For example, I tend to keep a water bottle next to me but also a fun drink to keep my taste buds alert. This could be a Starbucks drink or in the colder months, it could be hot chocolate. Additionally, having soft lighting wherever I study brightens my mood and helps my eyes way more than fluorescent lighting. For smell, I like to turn on my wax warmer. And for touch, I try to dress in clothes that make me feel cozy and comfortable.
Doing this simultaneously with my other tips makes studying slightly more enjoyable. If you’re looking for a way to relish, or at the very least, tolerate studying, I highly suggest making any of these tips a habit in your study routine.