Pages strewed across the floor, ink stains and notes hastily scribbled in the margins, coffee cups and rows of books. This is the dark academia aesthetic we’ve come to know and love, the one we’ve seen in countless films and novels we cherish. Luckily, as a college student, it’s not difficult to achieve. Matter of fact, pursuing this aesthetic (and romanticizing your life and study time) might actually improve your learning and your appreciation for school.
- WRITE NOTES BY HAND
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Gorgeous handwriting (or even that effortless scribbled look) is at the core of the dark academia aesthetic. Not to mention, writing notes by hand helps you remember content better! The act of physically writing the words combined with the effort it takes to quickly summarize and write the material is great for memorization. And, I don’t know about you, but for me, it’s really satisfying to look over pages of completed handwritten notes. Bonus if you can write in cursive!
- KEEP A WARM DRINK WITH YOU
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I literally cannot study without a cup of coffee. There’s something very grounding (and calming) about sipping on a warm drink to break up intense study periods. Not to mention, a classy cup of coffee or tea (or hot cider or Butterbeer) is another central element to our academia aspirations.
Original photo by Kylee Kropf - MAKE A STUDY GROUP OR JOIN A CLUB
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Dead Poets Society, A Secret History, Ninth House… The “secret society” or, more innocently, the congregation of young minds, is at the core of many of our beloved dark academia stories. Luckily, this is a pretty easy one to recreate. Meet with fellow students to expand and discuss topics from lectures, or pursue a concept or interest you find fascinating with a club. Connecting with other intellectuals is key to learning and to the academic aesthetic.
- FIND A REAL-WORLD APPLICATION
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Everything that you learn is connected to the real world. So, that makes it pretty easy to romanticize class material and connect with it in a meaningful way. Whether it’s going to the museum, finding artifacts or articles at the library, or in nature, engaging with your surroundings might be a more lucrative and less obvious study method.
Original photo by Kylee Kropf - STUDY SOMEWHERE BEAUTIFUL
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I mentioned the library in the last one. Powell Library at UCLA is a stunning atmosphere straight out of a dark academia movie. Or, if you prefer an outdoor setting, drop a blanket and some snacks under a tree and study there. Environment is critical. If you’re comfortable and at ease, you’ll have a much better time studying.
Original photo by Kylee Kropf - LISTEN TO ATMOSPHERIC SOUNDS FOR THAT *STUDY AMBIENCE*
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I personally love the Gryffindor common room on AmbientMixer (the crackling fire, swift turning of pages, creak of wooden chairs and the slight chatter of distant voices). There’s something for everyone. You can find atmospheric sounds on YouTube, AmbientMixer, or I Miss My Cafe). I personally love AmbientMixer because you can actually adjust the frequencies and volumes of specific sounds and there are tons inspired by movies.
- TAKE BREAKS (PREFERABLY OUTSIDE)
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There’s no feeling like stepping out of a dark building and meeting crisp air or basking for a moment in warm sunlight. It can immediately refresh you, remind you for a moment that you are a human being, not just a study machine. Listen to your mind and body as best you can; if you feel exhausted or are losing focus, then allow yourself a moment to recoup. You’ll feel better and probably end up being more productive anyways!
Original photo by Kylee Kropf - ANNOTATE, ANNOTATE, ANNOTATE!
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Make a habit of reading with a pen in your hand. Not only is that effortless, scribbled-in-the-margin look ideal, but it will actually help you engage with the material you’re reading. Write whatever comes to mind: thoughts, questions, “this reminds me ofs,” circles, stars and highlights. Try not to put pressure on yourself to be “insightful” or “intelligent”; just engage.
Original photo by Kylee Kropf - IF YOU NOTICE SOMETHING INTERESTING, RESEARCH IT
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It might be the minutest detail that makes you listen more closely, a sentence anecdote or reference in a text that leaves you curious. Ultimately, it is the thirst for knowledge that characterizes the dark academia aesthetic, and, coincidentally, what makes a good student. Allow your interests to guide you. Just stay curious and pursue knowledge when it relates to something you’re passionate about (or feel you could be).
Next time you feel burned out and ready to drop out, try one or some (really any combination) of these tips. You’ll likely find yourself much more grounded, and perhaps more connected to the topics you’re pursuing. Plus, in the meantime, you’ll be fulfilling your dark academia fantasy.