Let's face it, not many people like to study. However, in college it is a mandatory part of gaining that expensive degree! With distractions of friends, relationships, sports, jobs, and social events it is important to know when to say, "sorry I gotta study". So here are a few of the ways I chose to go about the process. Each person is different and their study habits will be too.
When I get ready to study I like to make sure everything I need is with me. I get distracted easily, so having to grab a pen could turn into a 20 minute excursion to the couch, kitchen, the social media world, etc. Grab a drink that will keep you going such as coffee (my drink of choice), Red Bull, water, anything to keep you energized and focused. Make sure you have pens,pencils, highlighters, notecards, books, laptop, headphones, literally EVERYTHING.
Next pick a place to study. The key to this selection is to pick a space that is comfortable, but not overly comfortable. I know that for me I can not study on my bed! I get too comfortable and end up talking myself into a nap instead. Instead I chose to study at my desk, a table in the library, or even better Starbucks. The change in location make it a better environment for work, not naps. However, you do not want to be uncomfortable when studying either. If you don't work well in highly trafficked areas like Starbucks stick to the library or your desk.
I love music and must have it to concentrate on most tasks. Studies show it can actually help the retention of material as well. I suggest making a playlist of songs that put you in a happier mood, so you will be happier while studying the Civil War or Trigonometry. My study music changes all the time! Last semester I would jam to the Glee soundtracks. Weird, I know, but it got me through and helped me achieve an A on my research paper. This semester is different though; I have found myself drawn to the musical stylings of Nora Jones. Being the hopeless romanic I am as well, Spotify's Wedding Classic playlist has also become more prominent. Spotify has become one of my go to music streaming sites because I can make playlists of songs that I know I'll like even with limited skips. Occasionally there are tasks that music becomes too much of a distraction as well so pure silence is best; it just takes time to know the difference.
Music can put you in the mood to get work DONE!
Deciding whether or not you are an independent or group oriented studier is another key part of the process. Obviously if you have a group project study with a group so you all know the material, but be aware of if this truly helps. I like to study mainly by myself so I retain the information and process at my own pace. Yet I have found that after I study personally, studying in a group setting can better help you comprehend the material and make you look at it in a different light. Again it's a circumstantial process.
Try to avoid distractions!!! I am guilty of this myself, but it is important to limit them. Keep you phone at a distance as not to be checking texts, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Yik Yak, ect. This wastes valuable time and gets your mind focused on things other than the material you are covering. Be cognizant of your distractions and limit them.
Timing is also imperative. My biological clock made me a night owl, and I am definitely no early riser. I like to study in the late afternoon and night. This gives me time after my classes get out to process as well as take a break before I get back into the material. Others may like to continue straight after class, as not to lose anything. Like I said before each person is different.
The question is no longer "to study, or not to study", but "when and how to study".
College is full of opportunities to experience things that will test you limits and remove you from your comfort zone. Back in my hometown I had a few friends who did this for me since I am typically not an extremely adventurous person. Since I moved away I have had to open myself up to trying these things either on my own or with new people. I have decided to share a list of 10 things I think each college student should try at least once in college.
1. Live on campus- I recommend doing this your freshman year; even if only for a semester. This allows you to get to know the campus life! It also allows you to share a room with most likely a stranger. If you're like me and have had your own room your whole life this may be a struggle at first having to learn to accommodate and communicate with your roomie. I got very luck with my roomie this semester and have had no problems AND made a new friend.
2. Go to a football game- Most schools do have football teams, they may not be SEC teams, but football at any college is usually a BIG DEAL. The comradery and rivalry in the stadium is an intense feeling, but one that is indescribable and that you just have to experience to understand.
3. Tailgate- Drinking does NOT have to be a part of this. However tailgating is a great way to celebrate football season and cheer on the team before the game. Being a former cheerleader myself I am looking forward to showing my Blue and Orange Gator PRIDE!
4. Go to a party- When I say this I am NOT suggesting going to a ragger or kegger type party. If you do that is totally to your digression. When I say party I mean going to a party where you can get together with friends and make new ones in a festive atmosphere. You don't have to drink or go crazy to have a good time!
5. Eat at local restaurants- College does not just offer Chipotle and dinning halls! Every town has its own local gems that are priced for college kids. In Gainesville I have found two so far that I love, Satchels Pizza and Relish (a burger place). I have broadened my pallet to encompass odd new dishes such as a cheeseburger topped with peanut butter and sweet chili relish. For anyone who knows me I like to stick to what I know, but found myself being adventurous one night and found out I loved this crazy combo.
6. Study abroad- I love that college offer this as an option for students to do. It gives everyone an opportunity to travel, while paying mainly the same costs of semesters. I attended a meeting about UF's programs and am looking forward to doing this in the future.
7. Take classes you may not have thought about- Gen-Eds are awesome because you can take courses not related to your major. For example, I am taking a course called Bugs and People (I do not like bugs). Yet I find myself interested in the class and it is helping me achieve a Bio credit. Explore your options before you settle down to a specific major, you never know what's out there, so take advantage of the opportunities.
8. Explore the town- You are not limited to just the campus, explore your surroundings. Take advantage of your college years and go to waterparks, local hot spots, and leave the books behind!
9. Go to the museums and cultural aspects- Most universities offer free admission for students to attend museums, plays, and even concerts. Make sure to keep track and visit these places; it offers you a look into culture and IT'S FREE!! What college kid is going to give up any free activity?
10. Study- It may seem self evident, but studying is what you're in college for. Find unique places on or off campus to study. Group studying is also helpful, but make sure you know what you're talking about and not relying on the group to re-teach you the material. Study by your self. Making time to study each class is important, find which way works best for you. I prefer to study with a coffee in hand and Nora Jones on Spotify in a Starbucks, library, or my desk. (Study tips to come next week)
Time management has to be one of the hardest obstacles to overcome. Juggling all your actives that are preformed on a daily basis as well as the few cute balls each day brings can be difficult, but in many cases planning is KEY.
Taking the time to plan your month, week, and day can all help avoid some stress. Many people use Google Calendar or iCalendar to track their events on their phone, tablets, and laptops. I do use those tools, but I prefer the good ol' written planner. If I ever lost my Vera Bradley planner I would be lost. I keep track of each days events, as well as write notes to myself to make sure things get done and don't miss anything important. I also love the convince of having a place for emergency contacts, without having to worry that my battery will die.
In college especially it is important to keep a record of everything that is coming up. From classes to football games each day is different. Having a place to keep it all is important, that way when the curve balls are thrown your way you are more likely to be able to handle the pressure.
Being on time is NOT one of the things I'm known for. Waking up late is a daily event, and in high school my friends were always teasing me because I never got there before 7:30. Having a place to write down the times for my classes and appointments has helped a little, and I have not been late to a class ay UF yet (and for me that's a huge deal)! I also set alarms to help me keep track of time for things. I set these alarms for 30 minutes to an hour before I need to leave or wake up, because of my late tendencies. I also suggest setting clocks 5 minutes fast. You may think no big deal, but this puts a little more pep in your step in the morning when you're late to leave the house.
Time management is not only planning, it is taking the time to realize what you can and cannot handle. I am a person who loves to help others, but saying yes all the time has made me crazy in the past. I realized it is okay to say no to things you don't have time to do. Generally people will be appreciative of the fact you Let the project go rather than giving it only partial attention.
However, it is important to set aside time for the important aspects of your day, such as your daily devotional in your Bible, a phone call to your parents, Factimeing family, or even cutting out time for a nap once in a while. Keeping your priorities in check will also help you reduce stress.
Learning how to manage time will not be a one day process, everyday is different s you will be tweaking your routine often.
With starting college and moving away from home I was extremely worried as to whether or not I would still be able to maintain my friendships from high school. Many people tell you that after high school you lose friends because of distance,varied interests, etc. I'm not going to lie, you will lose touch with some of your friends, but that doesn't need to be the case for all of them.
People grow up and move on and that's a fact, but your friendships do not have to. Growing apart doesn't mean giving up friends, it means letting the friendship grow with you. For example, one of my friends moved away our sophomore year in high school; however, we are still friends because we took the time to see each other once in a while and texted each other to keep up to date on what was happening in the others life. True, we are not as close as we once were after seeing each other daily, but we still have a strong friendship.
The key to maintaining friendships is taking the time to give attention to each friend. Whether it's a call, text, Facebook message, email, or even a letter communicating will keep your relationship strong and growing.
Moving away is not a reason to let go of friends. You never know when you will be taking a trip to where they live now or vice versa. Having friends in different parts of the country and world is great because that gives you an excuse to take trips to go and see them an for them to see you.
If you couldn't tell from my last post I am a huge fan of social media! The way it allows you to update friends on your life through pictures and status updates is amazing to me. It is a great way to keep friendships going and gives you things to talk about with the friends you don't see as often when you see them, such as asking about the recent trip they took or asking about the new job.
Video chatting with Skype and FaceTime is another great tool to keep your friends close too. My best friend and I have been doing it as a way to spend time face to face talking instead of just texting.
There are ample resources available to connect people, so it is only necessary to use them and set aside time for the people who are important in your life.
Just a few weeks ago my youngest cousin passed away and it made me take time to contemplate my family. Honestly they are the most important people in my life. Being from a small town my family is always around. When I moved to Gainesville two weeks ago I didn't realize how much I would miss my parents, brothers, cousins, grandparents, and so on.
Luckily we live in the day and age where technology has helped us be able to keep in contact more frequently. With texting, FaceTime, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and more, people are a click or tap away. However, you may encounter some relatives who don't fully grasp the technological advancements like you do. Take my mom for example, I love her dearly but teaching her how to FaceTime was one of the funniest things I have ever done. Now that she can FaceTime me though, it makes talking to her more real and catching up more personal than just a phone call, plus I can show her my room and the things I am working on all from the comfort of my bed.
Another thing is to not take the relationships you have for granted. My brothers and I have always been close and not seeing them everyday is very strange! I miss them terribly, but we are all growing up and have our own things going on. This makes the texts and snaps I get from them even more special and lets us keep up to date on each others lives.
For some visiting home for weekends seems excessive and unnecessary, while others will go every weekend. It is important to go and visit, but keep in mind you don't have to go home every weekend. Your family will miss you and be excited when you come, but you need to have time to yourself in your new home in order to explore and get to know your new surroundings.
Make sure you let your family know how much you love them and keep them involved in your life, even in college. You may not want to tell them everything, but they are there for you no matter what and love you unconditionally, so make the time and show the effort for them as well as for you. Your bonds will grow as you mature and make the relationships even more meaningful.
