Study Tips

I've finally moved into university and had my first week of second year! So now that I'm royally terrified for the next academic year (good timing for Halloween), I'm going to be giving you guys some studying tips.

Background noise can be really helpful. Some people like music, films, documentaries... It's important to try a bit of everything. Ideally, though, you'll want to try and find something with minimal or no talking. This can be really distracting. Instrumentals also help increase your consentration more.

It's also a good idea to try studying in areas with different noise levels. Some people study better in areas with more background noise, like a café for example. I find that I prefer very little noise from others, so areas like the library work better for me.

Timing is vital in studying. The longer you try and study for in a row, the more likely you are to loose focus. Your brain is also less likely to process and retain the information.

I always recommend using the pomodoro technique. You study for twenty five minutes, take a five minute break and then study for another twenty five minutes. After a few rounds of this, you can take a longer break. Could be fiveteen minutes, half an hour or maybe even an hour. However long you feel you will need to help rest your brain and get ready for studying again.

It's also a good idea to be aware of how long it takes you to complete certain tasks. How long does it usually take you to write a paragraph for an essay? Do you get similar homework every week? Try and time yourself completing certain tasks and then give yourself a certain allowance of extra time for problems (ex: internet problems, struggling with a question...).

Goal setting is really important. This is one of the best tools in avoiding procrastination. It's also a good way of making sure you stay ahead of the game for your academic year.

I'd highly recommend using templates such as SMART goals.

SMART goals are;

* Specific (what, how, where...).

* Measurable (meeting a particular word count...).

* Attainable.

* Realistic.

* Timely (give yourself a time limit).

Using a set template will keep your goals reasonable. It's also really useful in making sure your standards for yourself aren't too high (or low).

Self-care is also important! Make sure you have plenty of snacks, water ect...

It's also important to treat yourself. Use a face mask, bath bomb... Anything that makes you happy! Just to try and plan to do this at set times, though. Otherwise you might risk productivity.

Thank you for reading!

#StudyThis