Rhian's Study Tips!

Hello kind krafters!
If you’re at all like me, you might not always be the most successful studier. Personally, I know that I can get distracted incredibly easily and often find myself daydreaming instead of working. I do have some tips and tricks that help me make sure I get everything done in a fun and stress-free way. This time of year can be extremely demanding and tiring and so I thought I would share some of the tools that I use in my studying and day-to-day life!

Time Management
 
Before I even begin to talk about studying itself, I believe the most important skill to have is good time management. I like to believe that my organization skills are topnotch and that probably comes from having five types of calendars and daily planners that I use religiously. I’m very much a visual learner and so I like to be able to see all of the things that I need to do and can cross them out when they’re done (that way you also get a feeling of accomplishment after you complete small tasks too!). Some more ways to stay in control of your tasks are:

• Create a study schedule. If you have a big test coming up in a couple of weeks, start to plan out your studying then. Take a little bit of time each day to review the class material and by the end of the first week, you will be in better shape for the test. By the second week, you can start to review practice tests and create your own questions to help you better understand the material.
• Remember that for every three hours of class time, six to nine hours of studying should be done! Similar to being a part of a team, have time in your day dedicated only to studying for a single class. By planning to have time in your day for your classwork, days closer to the deadline will seem less overwhelming!
• Be careful of committing to too much! I am awful for this! I seem to be unable to say no to people so I constantly find myself drowning in work and not having any time for myself. When choosing new courses and extracurriculars, make sure to think about if you are providing enough time for the things that mean the most to you!

The Study Aesthetic
 
As silly as it may sound, I find that being in a certain environment helps me to focus and be happier with my work. From the stationary you use, to the library or café that you are working in, I firmly believe it makes a significant difference for me!

• Use stationary that you like! If you're still using your three-year-old notebook that’s falling apart and grubby, find a new one! Using a fresh new book helps me to keep my thoughts organized and my notes neater. I was recently introduced to Lavender & Sage which is a business selling Self-Care Stationary and I need to get myself one of their day planners as soon as possible!!
• Colour-code your work. Have certain colour binders for different classes and keep your notes in a similar colour scheme! This way, your notes will be easier to read and you will know where to look for different course materials.
• As well as having nice notebooks and binders, it is also important to have a clean study space. I need my space to be clutter-free in order to work productively. I have also been told that you should avoid studying in your bedroom/on your bed, so make sure to find a study space that’s right for you! A problem with studying on your bed is that it can become very easy to fall asleep instead of doing your work. Your bedroom should also be a place for relaxation and turn your brain off, so if you try to double your sleeping space with your study space (which can sometimes be a stressful experience) it might create negative connections with your bedroom. 

 Photo: https://www.instagram.com/lavendersageco/

How do you study?
 
Everyone has a unique studying style, but here are some of my favourite tricks that make doing my work a breeze!

• Find out what you need to be able to stay focused. Some people study well in groups, whereas other need to study alone. Some people can’t listen to any music as they study, and some can only listen to rap to allow them to truly focus. It’s all trial and error until you find what works best for you!

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help! I’m lucky to be a student at a small university where the professors know your name and I feel very comfortable asking questions in class, but I know that this is not a luxury everyone has access to. Ask friends in your class who understand the course material, or ask your TA’s or prof in person or through email. I used to be extremely nervous to ask for help as I thought it would make me look dumb, when really your professors will respect you more for coming to them as it shows you care about your studies!
• Make studying fun! Create silly analogies to help you remember the information (my friends love and hate me for doing this). Rewrite notes in a new format like lists, mind maps, timelines, etc. Try to find an audio version of your textbook so you can listen to the information as you walk from classes! If you enjoy working in groups, create exam questions and test each other – you could even make it competitive if you wanted to!
• Breaks are okay! You can’t expect yourself to work non-stop and continue to feel as fresh as you did when you first started. Breaks can be as long or as short as you need them to be. Naps are great! Socializing is great! Going to the gym is great! Also know when you’ve hit a wall and are no longer taking in information.
• SLEEP! Sleep is probably the most important factor, so do make sure you get enough before a long day of studying (and just in general)!! 

​I hope that some of these tips might be new to you and that you might be able to use them in your studying and organization! Good luck with midterms and other exams and assignments, kind krafters!!
 
Rhian xo