Being good at studying is a skill anyone can learn, and that includes you! There are good study habits and there are bad study habits, and this article will show you how to get rid of what isn’t working and focus on strategies that will work and make a difference on test day. When you’re done, you’ll know how to Study Well, not harder. Plus, you have a few tricks up your sleeve for when you need that extra push of motivation!
Create a study space.
Set up your study space. It’s great if you have a desk to study on, but a table will work just fine too. Provide good lighting in your space and remove any clutter or distractions that might interfere with your focus. Place the materials you’ll need to Study Well, such as pens, markers, and a notebook, near the area so they’re close at hand.
It’s okay to change your study location if it’s more convenient for you. For example, you might enjoy studying at the library or at a coffee shop from time to time.
Play music while you Study Well, it’s more fun that way. You could try instrumental music if you’re easily distracted, but it’s okay to listen to whatever you want.
Make a schedule.
Make a daily study schedule for yourself. Don’t try to do all your studying in one day, but plan on studying a little every day. Start by choosing the time when you feel most focused. Then decide which subjects you will study each day. Keep your study schedule on your calendar or somewhere you can see it every day.
Everyone has a different time of day when they feel the most energetic. You may learn best early in the morning, but you may also enjoy studying right after school or before bed. Do what works best for you.
If you participate in sports or activities, keep that in mind when planning your studies. Let’s say you exercise every day after school. You may decide it’s best to Study Well for an hour each night before bed and an hour before school each morning to keep up with your exercise program.
Organize your materials.
Organize your study materials so you can easily find what you need. You probably have a lot to do, so you need to use your time wisely. Keep all your papers, notebooks, texts and office supplies in a specific place so you don’t waste your precious study time looking for them. So you can quickly get what you need and get started.[3]
For example, you can store your pencils, pens, highlighters, and erasers in a pencil case in your backpack. If you also have a desk at home, you can put a mug on your desk. Try using colored pens for the notes you write to yourself to make it more fun.
If your instructor sends handouts and measurements in digital files, please save them to a Google Drive that you can access from any device. So you always have what you need.
You can use a hole punch to add holes to brochures, lectures, and other paper items so you can keep them in a folder. As another option, you can save them in a folder. Choose a folder or a folder with a picture that you like! You could even decorate it.
Keep books or notebooks in your backpack or next to your Study Well space.
Eliminate distractions.
Eliminate distractions so you can focus on your studies. You can focus more easily when there are no distractions around. Ask the people around you not to disturb you while you Study Well. Also, turn off your TV and silence your phone so you won’t be tempted to check it.
If there is clutter near your study area, you may want to remove it if it distracts you.
Try using a productivity app or website that can block social media and other distracting apps or sites during your college days.
