1. FILTER OUT DISTRACTIONS

1. FILTER OUT DISTRACTIONS

• You don’t have to study in a vacuum, but try filtering distractions and interruptions out from your study environment.

• Don’t be afraid to ask people in advance to leave you alone while you’re studying.

• Try to reduce noise and visual distractions to a reasonable level.

• If you can’t, consider a different place to study.

2. SEPARATE WORK & PLAY

• Study in a different place than where you hang out or sleep - a separate study room, a library, a classroom, or a coffee shop.

• Clearly designating one place for work and another for play can prevent unnecessary procrastination and distraction.

• For this same reason try to keep work and sleep separate - don’t study in bed.

3. ORGANISE YOUR AREA

• Make sure you have everything you need at your desk within reach, so you won’t have to get up in the midst of studying for a pencil or highlighter.

• Create a one-ring folder binder per subject.

• Include a revision checklist, an example of a marking scheme & past exam papers in the folders.

• Use colour coded dividers to separate out the materials.

4. UNPLUG YOUR COMPUTER

• Ok, you may not want to literally unplug it - you’ll probably be using it to study.

• But find a way to unplug yourself from online distractions - log off from social networking and chat on your computer and phone, or use a service like Cold Turkey to block these for you.

5. THINK ABOUT YOUR POSTURE

• Posture is important, especially when spending long hours studying.

• You don’t need a perfect chair, but at least use a chair.

• If you find yourself aching after an hour of studying, consider switching positions or seating.

6. TAKE REGULAR BREAKS

• Realise you’re only as productive as your brain is - and it needs regular breaks to work at full capacity.

• A simple time management method is to work for 30 minutes, take a 2 minute break, and resume work.

• Use a timer, take it seriously, and see how it works for you.

• Different timing works for different people, but it’s important to remember to take breaks from any studying: stretch or walk around, and return to work with a clearer mind.

7. SET A STUDY SCHEDULE

• Find time that works for you during the week, and give yourself set times to study.

• A schedule can be useful for breaking down a big assignment - like reading an entire book - into smaller and more manageable pieces: a chapter every other day.

• Once you write a schedule, stick to it.

8. BE CONSISTENT

• If you study well in a library or at home, keep studying there.

• Don’t switch study places, especially close to an important deadline.

• Avoid drastic changes to your study area unless necessary - don’t give yourself any new reasons to be distracted.

9. REMIND & MOTIVATE YOURSELF

• Fill your space with things that remind you about tasks and motivate you to complete them.

• Use a calendar to make sure you keep deadlines and important dates and a simple to-do list to prioritise tasks and get things done.

• Also, find small tokens and images that will motivate you; maybe a picture, or college acceptance letter will provide a bit of necessary encouragement in the middle of the night before an exam is due.

10. PERSONALISE IT

• Do you study better with your back to any windows? Or facing them?

• Do you like the complete silence of noise-cancelling headphones or listening to light music?

• The best study environment is one that is personalised to how you study.

• Make it your own, and keep modifying it until it’s perfect.