Study Tips For College Students | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

8 Study Tips For The Overworked College Student

Because It's Always Grind Season.

133
8 Study Tips For The Overworked College Student
Lauren Spiezia

In This Article:

As many students return from spring break and the second half of the semester kicks up again, being bombarded by assignments can feel very overwhelming. Here are some study tips I've used many times that always work to minimize my stress, even when my to-do list is huge.

1. Plan out the order that you’re going to complete everything you have to do

Do the smaller assignments first, then the bigger ones. Because they probably take less time, getting the little stuff out of the way first will not only make you feel pretty productive but give you more leeway with how much time you have to spend on bigger things on your to-do list.

2. Download an app that that will help you be less distracted by your phone

There are probably hundreds of apps that can turn off notifications and apps, so you definitely have a lot to choose from. My personal favorite is Flipd because once you turn it on (you can pick how long you want it to run), it disables all apps except for your essentials, like messages and calling. This way, you know you won't be physically able to waste time Instagram scrolling instead of writing an essay.

3. Don’t always study in the same place

I've definitely noticed that studying in the same corner of the same library every day can get boring and make me feel like I'm stuck in a slump. So remember that a change of scenery is always nice, and chances are that your campus has an abundance of different places to get work done. If you have a busy week, maybe explore a little bit every day to find a new place.

4. Make a homework/study playlist

If music helps keep you focused and relaxed, a playlist is perfect for work sessions. Use Apple Music or Spotify to make collections of calming music that can help you drown out outside distractions.

5. Don’t be afraid to take a short break

Staring at books, notes, or a computer screen for hours on end can make you feel like you're going crazy. Taking a walk, eating a snack, or doodling can rest your brain for a little bit and make you feel ready to take on the world.

6. Know your limits when staying up late

If you're not a night owl and know that any work you do at 3 or 4 a.m. will not be your absolute best, don't feel like you need to push yourself. You can always go to sleep earlier and set an alarm to wake up early and get things done before your classes start. Plus, you'll be well-rested!

7. Utilize any breaks in your schedule

If you have any breaks between classes, whether they're an hour or five hours long, use them to get some work done if you're feeling overwhelmed. Head to your favorite study spot on campus, maybe get some food and grind until your next class. You'll have more done by later in the day and maybe even go to sleep earlier, instead of pulling an all-nighter.

8. In extreme cases, coffee naps can be your best friend

Coffee naps, or cappuccinos, are when you quickly drink a cup of coffee or something else that's caffeinated then immediately nap for 20-30 minutes. The trick is that the length of the nap is about as long as it takes for the effects of the caffeine to kick in, so you'll wake up feeling refreshed from sleeping and more awake from the coffee. Two of my friends told me about this a while ago, and it really works if you're staying up late to do homework or study. But be warned, making cappuccinos a habit can decrease their effect, so only take one in emergencies!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
ross geller
YouTube

As college students, we are all familiar with the horror show that is course registration week. Whether you are an incoming freshman or selecting classes for your last semester, I am certain that you can relate to how traumatic this can be.

1. When course schedules are released and you have a conflict between two required classes.

Bonus points if it is more than two.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

12 Things I Learned my Freshmen Year of College

When your capability of "adulting" is put to the test

2652
friends

Whether you're commuting or dorming, your first year of college is a huge adjustment. The transition from living with parents to being on my own was an experience I couldn't have even imagined- both a good and a bad thing. Here's a personal archive of a few of the things I learned after going away for the first time.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Economic Benefits of Higher Wages

Nobody deserves to be living in poverty.

301815
Illistrated image of people crowded with banners to support a cause
StableDiffusion

Raising the minimum wage to a livable wage would not only benefit workers and their families, it would also have positive impacts on the economy and society. Studies have shown that by increasing the minimum wage, poverty and inequality can be reduced by enabling workers to meet their basic needs and reducing income disparities.

I come from a low-income family. A family, like many others in the United States, which has lived paycheck to paycheck. My family and other families in my community have been trying to make ends meet by living on the minimum wage. We are proof that it doesn't work.

Keep Reading...Show less
blank paper
Allena Tapia

As an English Major in college, I have a lot of writing and especially creative writing pieces that I work on throughout the semester and sometimes, I'll find it hard to get the motivation to type a few pages and the thought process that goes behind it. These are eleven thoughts that I have as a writer while writing my stories.

Keep Reading...Show less
April Ludgate

Every college student knows and understands the struggle of forcing themselves to continue to care about school. Between the piles of homework, the hours of studying and the painfully long lectures, the desire to dropout is something that is constantly weighing on each and every one of us, but the glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel helps to keep us motivated. While we are somehow managing to stay enrolled and (semi) alert, that does not mean that our inner-demons aren't telling us otherwise, and who is better to explain inner-demons than the beloved April Ludgate herself? Because of her dark-spirit and lack of filter, April has successfully been able to describe the emotional roller-coaster that is college on at least 13 different occasions and here they are.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments