Although I don't want to admit it, it's almost the start of midterm season. I've already had my first quiz, and can already start scratching some major assignments off of my calendar. I know that every college is on a different schedule, but whether you're in the middle of your exams, heading into them within the next few weeks, or are not even close to thinking about exams, I want this post to be here for you when you're ready to buckle down and study.
Now I have to admit, I wasn't always a fan of studying in the library. It wasn't until last semester when I had my junior thesis class that I realized I was going to have to get familiar with the place I had only walked through to save me time while walking through campus. (Seriously I probably could count on one hand the number of times I had been in the library for over 10 minutes before then) But after spending numerous study halls and group power study sessions with my thesis friends, I grew to kind of enjoy studying in the library. I still don't do it as often as I probably should, but I try to make an effort to study there at least once every two weeks, which is something that I definitely couldn't say before.
After staying in the library for many, many hours last semester, I kind of got into a routine of how to be productive. Of course everyone has their own way of studying that works for them, but I thought I would share a few tips and all the essentials I keep with me just in case someone is looking for a new study routine!
Tip #1 Book A Study Room
I can't study in silence. It drives me insane when there isn't at least a little background noise going on. I always like to book a study room so that I can invite some friends in to study with me, can talk to myself a little, ask some questions, or grab something from my backpack without feeling the judgement and angry stares of the other 25 people in the room. Even if you study alone, having a study room is nice because you can get up and take a stretch, eat a snack, or play music out loud if that's your thing.
Tip #2 Listen To Music Without Lyrics
I don't know about you, but I can't help but sing along if I know a song when it comes on. This is my downfall when studying, since I love listening to music at the same time. I've found that instrumentals are great for giving me the necessary noise that I need, but don't distract me from my work. I love the Disney Instrumental and the Pop Hits Instrumental stations on Pandora!
Tip #3 Take Breaks Ever 30 Minutes
I've found that it helps me to break up my studying into 30 minute intervals. It doesn't matter how long my breaks are, just as long as I get my mind to wander a bit. I never take longer than a 10 minute break though, because then you won't be as committed to your assignment. Usually I take a lap around the room (whether it be the study room or the library room I'm in), browse social media for a few minutes, or head to the bathroom. This helps you to stay alert, get your blood flowing, and keep you from being too bogged down by work.
Essentials:
Earphones/Headphones for when you don't have a study room to listen to your tunes out loud.
A snack to keep your energy up and to keep you from starving! It's always best to keep something in your bag, since sometimes you're at the library longer than you thought you would be. If you don't opt for the study room, I recommend something without loud packaging.
A beverage, I recommend some form of caffeine or water to keep you hydrated and happy. Ever since Starbucks moved onto Chapman's campus I've been a well-caffeinated gal that doesn't mind a cold library room if I have my nice hot white mocha. :)
Fuzzy socks that will keep your toes warm and will make you feel more cozy. Heck, why not bring a blanket as well and make yourself comfortable.
Similar to the socks, dress in comfortable clothes. Yes, looking cute is great, but when you'll be sitting in the same spot for 4 hours, just put on those leggings and that spirit jersey and get that work done. Sometimes you just have to let the extremely comfortable side of your closet take over.
Always bring your phone/computer charger if you know you'll be in the library for the long haul! I always know that I'll be using up my computer battery within a few hours, so having it with me is a necessity.
Optional, but I like to have a study buddy to chit chat with on my breaks, or discuss homework if we're in the same class. I think it's nice to have someone else in the room with you so you don't go a little insane being alone for a few hours!
What are your library study essentials?
Study rooms are so nice in the library! A lot of times i never wanted to go because of how loud it can get on talking floors! Study rooms were one of the only ways i could get anything done!
ReplyDeleteyasssss sami! study rooms are EVERYTHING! I could never study at the library in college, it was such a scene!
ReplyDeleteRachel | www.theconfusedmillennial.com
This is going to be so helpful once my exams start! Love it (:
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I wish I'd had them 30 years ago lol!
ReplyDeleteoh gosh.. man I do not miss those studying sessions at the library! but great tips for those still doing them :)
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those people who cannot study in the library! It's the weirdest thing. I always used to get so distracted.
ReplyDeleteLiveLifeWell,
Allison
I was never good at studying in the library, but it is definitely helpful to be so close to all the info that you need. Good luck on your midterms!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips because studying in the dorm can be so distracting.
ReplyDeleteStudy rooms were my jam but I preferred studying at home since I lived alone and didn't have to worry about noisy roommates.
ReplyDeletexoxo, Jenny
See, I've found my best studying at the library tip is to not study at the library. lol. I don't know why but I get so much more done at home, a coffee shop or even somewhere as hectic as Ihop. However, I have friends who have tried to study with me and not be able to get anything done unless they're at the library. So I guess my actual tip is . . . figure out what works for you!
ReplyDeleteI'm totally going to steal some of your ideas though! Great tips for studying better!
Great tips! I've never booked a study room for anything other than a group project, but I'm going to try to book one with a group of friends.
ReplyDeleteErin // Plaid & Pearls
I have definitely used all of these tips when I was in undergrad! Study rooms are THE best. I also always brought along a hoodie or jacket to stay warm since it can get pretty cold in the library!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! Wish I had thought of this during undergrad!
ReplyDeleteGreta | www.gretahollar.com
I completely agree with #2, I always find I'm much more productive when I do that!!
ReplyDeletexo, Syd
anchoredinthesouth.com
You and I have very similar study habits. I NEED fuzzy socks when I study at the library. I love to take my shoes off in my study room (weird, I know), but obviously still want to have my feet covered, especially since it can get quite cold in the library. I also recently started listening to lyric-less music and it has been a LIFESAVER for my productivity!
ReplyDeleteI'm no longer in college but I definitely would try to book study rooms with friends whenever I could. I am gearing up to apply for school soon and will need yo get my study habits back in order.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of music without lyrics. I find lyrical music really distracting. I'm definitely going to try this when working. x
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips! Although I am more of a coffee-shop studier, if I'm in it for the long haul I want to know that caffeine is only a few steps away.
ReplyDeleteListening to music is sooo important because it takes away from distractions! I once hear that listening to baroque music (Bach) will help you order things in your brain because it is written musically even.
ReplyDeleteI 100% agree! I can't study in silence either! I always have to have my headphones in, I found that the Harry Potter score was great for studying. xx Merisa | Monogrammed Magnolias
ReplyDeleteI love booking study rooms and studying with friends. I also take breaks every 30 minutes or so and take a lap around the floor.
ReplyDeleteTori
Awesome tips! I think studying in college was THE hardest part for me because there was so much you'd rather be doing
ReplyDeleteStudy rooms were my saving grace in college! And I agree with all of your tips. Having everything I needed (charger, snacks, in comfy clothes, etc.) gave me no excuse to get distracted.
ReplyDeleteXO, SS || Seersucker Sass
Great tips, i have a problem with increasing my followers but hope this will help xoxo
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