Studying anywhere

I'm sure most of us can think of many things we would rather be doing than studying, am I right?  Do you hide in your room trying any means possible to avoid studying?  Lying on your bed with the textbook open hoping the words will somehow transfer off the page and into your brain, oh, and stay there!  Yep, I think during my four year degree I have tried every creative way to get out of studying that anyone can think of.  Ok, and Netflix and Facebook don't help.

But what I have learned is that there is no point sitting down at your computer willing motivation to come.  Even if you do manage to get a small amount of study done I don't think you retain much.  The key to studying is to find the way your brain works. 

• Do you prefer to read as much information as you can on a subject? 
  
• Do you prefer to watch YouTube tutorials on a subject until you get it?  
• Do you re-write all the information out into dot point or draw mind maps?
• Do you prefer to work in groups and find teaching others about a subject helps you retain the information?
• What about making your own set of flashcards?
• You can use different coloured pens for different subjects so when you are in an exam you just think of a certain colour.
• If your mind wanders maybe listening to soft instrumental music may help to stop the chatter.  
• You don't need to study in your room!  Maybe you prefer to be surrounded by people so could go to the library, maybe sitting on the grass under a tree is more your style or even a local coffee shop with wifi.  Some people get distracted at home and are better out of their natural environment.

Whatever your study method there is no need to put in hours at a time.  You probably won't retain the information if you do that anyway.  Try setting a timer for 20 minutes and get as much as you can done in that time.  When the timer goes off, go and have a drink of water and a snack e.g handful of nuts, for 5 minutes and then go back to it and set the timer for another 20 minutes.  If you are still struggling then have a break and go for a walk or watch one episode of your favourite Netflix show (just one!!) and then try to come back to it.

I also find having a dedicated calendar to study is a good way to keep track of what assignments are due when and also when exams and holidays are.  Also as soon as you get an assignment have a look at it.  Read the outline and make sure you know what it's about.  That way if during class information comes up that may benefit your assignment you can take extra notes or if you are surfing the web and come across an article that may be beneficial you can save it into a folder on your computer to look at when you are ready to write the assignment.  
Always complete an assignment at least 24-48 hours before it's due so you can go over it again with fresh eyes and look for any mistakes.  Re-read the assignment task sheet to make sure you have answered the question properly and given enough information in the sections that are worth the most marks (no point writing 1000 words on a section worth 5 marks and only 200 words on one worth 30).

Most importantly, remember you will not retain information if you are stressed.  Try to relax by having a picture of your favourite place with you (bush or beach maybe?), have water nearby and stay hydrated, spray a flower essence for concentration (I can make up a personal blend just for you) and if all else fails?  There is always tomorrow xx