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.

130
8 Study Tips For The Overworked College Student
Lauren Spiezia

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.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

269
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

136
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

198963
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20126
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments