Ironically, student life doesn’t often lend itself to productivity. Living with mates, sleeping in and partying till dawn can mean that studying sometimes feels impossible. However, it’s important to learn how to study productively. If you’re working up until your deadline, you’re going to need to know how to make your limited time as productive as possible. So, how can you increase your productivity?
Switch your Wi-Fi off
Whilst you might need Wi-Fi in the research stages (and to make sure you avoid plagiarism), when it comes to the nitty-gritty of writing your essay, you’ll find that you work more productively when you switch off your Wi-Fi. This will avoid any temptations like checking social media accounts, watching cat videos or taking quizzes to find out what kind of vegetable you are. That important stuff can wait till later.
Clean your room
For most college students, your study space is your bedroom. This means that you might be working in an environment full of dirty clothes, old plates and suspicious odours – making it hard to be productive. If you’re working in your bedroom, it’s important to keep the space clean and clear of clutter. So, before you get down to your focused studying, take the time to clear your desk and utilise the space. A scented candle always helps to get the brain in gear, too.
Go to the library
Sometimes, working in your bedroom doesn’t inspire the most productive work. Perhaps your flatmates keep wandering in for a chat, your bed invites you for a nap or the noisy neighbours are arguing again. If this is the case, you should try working at the library. Most college libraries have quiet working areas where you can work without any distractions. They also have sockets to keep your laptop fully charged and plenty of useful resources that you can make the most of. You’ll probably find that you sleep better if you study away from your bedroom, too.
Take breaks
Many people think that studying hard means studying for long periods of time. However, this isn’t the case. You can stare at a book for hours on end without taking in any of the content. The most successful students utilise their time and work productively; ensuring that the hours sat at their laptop are fruitful. This means taking breaks. If you study for an hour and take a ten-minute break, your mind will be refreshed and ready to keep working. If you don’t give yourself breaks, you’ll become tired and frustrated – and more likely to start browsing on your phone, too.
Give yourself an incentive
Studying can be boring, especially when you live with your friends and want to socialize. So, give yourself an incentive. Whether that’s a takeout, some drinks with friends or a new outfit, telling yourself you can have a treat after you’ve completed your task will make sure that you work productively. If you don’t, then you’re cheating yourself.
Comments are closed.