To Study, or Not to Study?

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".