How to Study Smart

Creating a study routine and having a dedicated, organized space can help you be more efficient, meaning you accomplish more in less time. That means more free time for you after you’ve knocked out all that homework!  

• Remember that calendar? Check it at the beginning of the week and create a study schedule for upcoming tests and quizzes. 
• Minimize distractions in your study space. Music can be a distraction or a study aid depending on your studying style, but anything with video should be off-limits during study time. 
• Prepare before you start. Lay out everything you might need so that you don’t have to keep getting up for notebooks or your laptop charger.  

• Keep things clean. Go through your notebooks and bags at the end of the week and trash whatever you no longer need.  
• Get comfy, but not too comfy! Create a comfortable work space, but avoid making yourself so relaxed that you’re tempted to nap instead! 
• Take breaks. Get up and stretch and move around every half hour or so.  

A lot of students love the freedom and “free time” in college, but it’s not really spare time; it’s just unstructured time with no moms or teachers to keep you shuffling from task to class. It might be easy to procrastinate and lose track, so start learning your limits and getting in the habit of scheduling your time (including the fun stuff!) now! 

Savanna

As an editor, copywriter, and social media manager at exploreMedia, I work to develop content that is relevant and interesting to our readers and coordinate with contributing writers.