Whenever midterms and finals seasons roll around and the ability to get a seat at Odegaard library becomes harder and harder, I’m always looking for alternatives to studying on-campus. Studying at home is never easy, thanks to how much fun I have chatting with my roommates and how utterly comfortable my bed is. However, studying at home doesn’t have to mean distractions. Implementing intentional study time can be the solution to your studying-slump. Here’s everything you need to know about hosting the perfect study party:
1.Gather your friends
The first thing you need to do before starting your study party is gather your group. Invite your friends and make sure to remind them to bring their books! Invite your roommates, friends, and classmates.Â
2. Make a cozy atmosphere
An ideal study party is one hosted in somebody’s house with access to snacks (more on that later), plenty of outlets for charging, and the freedom to be in your absolute comfiest state. For a study party to be most effective, make sure everybody has their seat at a table with plenty of space to spread out.Â
3. Provide nutritious and delicious snacksÂ
While candy and chips are a natural study go-to, make sure you also incorporate some fruits and veggies into the study menu. My go-to snacks are cuties, carrot sticks, pretzels and, of course, Nerds Gummy Clusters. Setting up bowls of snacks on your table or study area can be a fun and aesthetic way to incorporate your study fuel into the party.Â
4. Use the Pomodoro method
Staying on track despite the distractions of all your friends is no small task, which is why a pomodoro method is key to an effective study party. Websites like pomofocus.io and apps like focusfriend can help track your focus sessions, which typically last 20-40 minutes, and limit your breaks to 5-10 minutes. Once everyone gets on this schedule, the task of studying doesn’t seem too daunting.Â
5. Know when to call it a nightÂ
One of the most valuable things you can learn while studying is when to stop studying. Although a highly-caffeinated all-nighter may seem like the most appealing option the night before an exam, sleep is one of the best ways to prepare for a test. So, after a few hours of focused productivity, stop burning the midnight oil and get some well-deserved shut eye.Â
Even if your friends are studying for a physics exam while you’re working on a final paper for a history class, everything is more manageable when done together. The next time you feel the dread of finals or midterms creeping in, gather your friends and host a study party instead of suffering at the library.Â