Studying is one thing that most students hate to do. Say you have a test in two weeks, on a Friday. The majority of students will not even crack open a textbook until the Thursday night before the test. It is in our nature as college students to procrastinate. Whether it be on a test, homework, or a project – we will find a way to put it off for as long as we can.
I am here to tell you all that, although I hate studying and I am a huge procrastinator (just as most of you are), it can be fun! The art to studying is to not have a study session the day before the test for ten hours. By studying for long periods of time, you are going to overload your brain and it will not be able to remember anything. Another thing that you should not do is cram right before a test. You may think that you are getting all the last minute details etched into your brain, but in reality it just does not work. The best way to study is in increments. Study for thirty minutes, then let your brain rest, then pick it back up again.
To have a successful and enjoyable study session you need to plan ahead. Figure out the date of the exam and map out a study course. If you have a week before the test, set aside a couple of hours a day where you can sit down and focus on what you need to learn. Another helpful idea is to create productive study groups (key word being productive). The library offers study rooms where a group can meet and even use the white boards that come equipped in the room. These rooms are a great tool to help you and your group to stay focused.
If you feel as though working with others is unhelpful or may distract you, then head to a local coffee shop with your laptop and textbook. The environment is more individual centered and you can enjoy a drink that will keep you awake. One of my personal favorite places to study is Starbucks. There are two on campus, but I believe the best location is the store off of Fowler. Because it is located just off of campus, there is not the constant flow of loud college students, but it is more relaxed and quiet. Another location I enjoy is Felicitous Coffee House, which is an independent coffee house. It is located in the same plaza as Starbucks and is only a little over a week old. This is the perfect place to study because it has a cozy and homey feel and they have both coffee and tea. The last suggestion I have is Sacred Grounds Coffee House located off of Busch Blvd. The atmosphere is great and they have weekly Open Mic nights. They also offer vegan food and are open late until 2:00am on weekends. All of the suggestions also offer free wifi within their establishment.
When you study, you should not be miserable and trying to cram all the information into your head. You should study in increments, allowing your brain to soak up all of the new information. Try creating study groups and utilizing the study rooms offered at the library. Also, try studying in a more positive environment like one of the coffee houses listed above.
Most of all, make studying fun. If you are enjoying your time while you study, you are more likely to remember what you have learned.