Comfy clothes!
I know this one may be obvious, but I've had study buddies complaining their jeans are digging into their stomachs etc. We don't need that. Easiest thing to wear is something you feel most comfy in, I usually just don an oversized top, a hoodie and leggings. It may not be the most fashionable outfit in the world but god is it helpful when you're sat down for hours. Oh, and cosy socks. Always cosy socks.
Headphones
I usually study alone, especially now I am in college and most of my friends do different courses to me. Being in a public or college library is good for references and studying, it's just everyone else that's there that's usually the problem. Grab a pair of headphones and an MP3 player or your phone and jam to tunes while you study, it blocks out the rest of the world and is brilliant.
Tea!
Or any hot drink, but, being a typical British student, I can't get through the day without at least 5 cups of tea. Grab a travel mug and fill with your favourite hot drink to give you a boost while studying. Believe me it works.
A book
Now, while this hasn't got anything to do with studying, I like to take the book in currently reading with me to study. If you need a short break, or something to do on the bus home, take a book and have some down time. It'll give your brain a rest from studying but you're still using it.
Glasses
If you don't wear glasses, good for you. But if you do, or have a pair for work, make sure you bring them! Long hours staring at a screen or at a textbook strains your eyes to hell and is so much easier with glasses. This may seem an obvious one again, but I nearly always forget to bring them and then suffer the consequences afterwards.
Sunglasses
If it's sunny and you're annoyed you're stuck inside studying...don't! Grab some sunglasses and your work and go outside to study. You can study and get a tan at the same time. It's also a calmer environment and you're not stuck inside some library when it's beautiful sunshine. Especially in England, you have a get in the sunshine while you can before it goes again for another two weeks.
Snacks
Snacking while studying is a good way to get some energy in you. I usually take a few snack bars and a couple boxes of raisins and spread it out during my session.
Those were just some things that would make your study life a lot easier, but I've got a few tips and tricks to make it easier as well.
Study with a buddy
As I've said, I don't usually study with anyone because my friends don't do my course, but if you share a course with a friend, study together! It's so much more helpful as you can brainstorm questions together and help each other out when stuck
Don't study too late
Everyone's had those late night study sessions, whether in your own room or at a library, but never study too late. As a student you have to make sure you have the right amount of sleep. Sleep also helps you study, which is weird I know. When you sleep after studying, it stores the information you just acquired and helps you remember them more.
Never be afraid to ask
I know, especially with me, I'm quite stubborn about asking for help if I'm stuck. If a lecturer or teacher is nearby and you're stuck, never be afraid to ask, even if you think it's something you should know. It's the lecturer's job to help you remember these things.
Instrumental music good. Lyrical music bad.
This may not necessarily work with everyone, like me, but a lot of people get distracted if their music has lyrics. When you study, stick on an instrumental playlist. There are many good ones on Spotify for free!
Claro
Like me, if your eyes get strained and tired when looking at screens for a prolonged amount of time, then this program will help you! It's brilliant. I don't know how much it is, as my college have it already installed in their computers, but it does so much. It can tint your screen a different colour so you're not staring at a pure white screen, which is my saviour for study sessions, it can read your writing back to you to help you proof read, and lots more.
Breaks
Studying for hours will not make you instantly remember everything. It is better if you give yourself regular breaks to give your brain a rest and to help it store the information. Every half an hour or hour, go for a little walk or go grab a cup of tea and a bite to eat. Believe me, it's such a reprieve in the late night study sessions.
Well, I hope these help you out, if you absolutely hate studying for finals like me, you're going to need it. Just remember, your grades do not define who you are. It's just a piece of paper.
No comments:
Post a Comment