Happy Easter!! Whether you're like me and celebrate Easter for its true meaning or you just spend the day as you usually would, we can all appreciate the glorious day off. Even better, if you're a student, you can appreciate a glorious 2 weeks off. Although it is VERY important that you spend time for yourself and relax, it is also a good idea to study, for those exams that are quickly creeping up on us *shivers*. Pretty much every other day, I get asked "How do you study so much?", "How long do you study for?", "Where do you find the motivation to study for hours?". I have done a fair few study posts, however I haven't talked in detail about study days. If you know me, then you will know that I can spend up to 8 hours studying in a day, and gain a lot out of it. Since I get the questions above so often (usually on a study day too), and we have 2 weeks off, I thought I would share with you, HOW to have a study day.
Step 1: The first step to a successful and productive study day is to write out a To-do list or list of priorities. It can be very easy to plan a day of studying and have no idea where to start or know what needs to be done. Spend some time writing out the things you want to get done, so that you can visually see your tasks. I like to write a massive list of things to do and then allocate days for each task. This may intimidate some people, so the other option is to only write out tasks for that particular day.
Ideas for your list may be:
- Go through flashcards and get someone to test you
- Write a practise essay
- Highlight class notes
-Fill in gaps for class notes/catch up on missed lessons
-Mind map a certain module
PRO TIP: Choose your focus subject wisely. Time is falling between our fingers like sand and its doing it pretty quickly. Spend time working on areas that you are weaker at. Of course you shouldn't neglect the areas you are strong at, because you should have a balance, however there is no point spending hours on something you already understand well. Figure out the areas and subjects you are struggling with, and work on that.
Step 2: Speaking of areas, find an area you can work well in. Your environment is very important, and it is essential that you pick a location right for you. I know people who can work well with noise, and people like me who can't. I don't always work in the library, as I get distracted by other people, however I know many people love the library. Its all about where you enjoy working. I tend to work in my room or the dining room.
PRO TIP: Make sure whatever room you work in is well lit, to avoid you getting too cosy and falling asleep (speaking from experience).
Step 3: Have the essentials with you. Before you actually start studying, make sure you have all your resources in the room with you. If you keep forgetting things and leaving the room to get them, not only do you lose time, but motivation to actually start. If you have to write a list of things needed and check it before beginning, then do so. You should also make sure things are prepared. One thing I always forget to do is charge my tablet or laptop in advance. I would recommend you do this.
Examples of resources you may need:
- Pencil Case
- Laptop
- Flashcards
- Memory Stick
- Planner
- Earphones
PRO TIP: Try to mainly use printed materials, if you get easily distracted on the internet/with a laptop. Print past papers and mark schemes in advance, use textbooks etc.
Step 4: Plan out your time. What I mean by this is decide how long you want to spend studying that day. BE REALISTIC. I can do up to 8 hours, however if revision is not something you usually do, don't decide you're going to study for 12 hours. You have to be realistic, based on how well you focus, how long your list is, what other things you have to do that day etc. If I know I have work the evening that I choose to have a study day, I wake up earlier, do at least 3-4 hours of study and then leave about 2-3 hours of free time/ time to get ready for work. Whether you just make a general time plan for the day or individual time frames for every task you do, map it out effectively. Schedule in breaks too. When I work for 3 hours, I don't have a break as I know I am capable of doing it without one, however 6/8 hour days, I always schedule at least an hour to chill.
PRO TIP: Begin your study day with your highest priority as this is when you're the most alert and awake. If you don't get to tick everything off your list, at least the most significant things are done, right?
Step 5: Get to work! Here are a few ideas of things you could do.
- Make Flashcards
- Go over Flashcards
- Re-write notes
- Watch Online Lectures/Videos
- Further reading
- Past Papers/Essay Questions
(Try them timed and in exam conditions)
PRO TIP: Do things catered to the type of learner you are. There is no point writing out notes and highlighting them if you don't work well this way. Play games if you learn this way, watch videos, read. Do whatever works for you. It doesn't have to be the conventional way.
These are my steps to having a study day! I hope it has helped. If you need tips on motivation and productivity, check out my other blog posts!
6 Ways To Get Motivated To Study:
https://chellebelle2016.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/6-ways-to-get-motivated-to-study.html
How To Be Productive: https://chellebelle2016.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/how-to-be-productive-study-edition.html
Thanks for reading,
Have a great day x
