The COVID-19 pandemic has left us all thinking…WTF! The new lockdown has left students wondering what’s happening with their education and are now having to spend the next few weeks or maybe months studying effectively from home.
You may be at home by yourself, or at university halls with friends, wherever you maybe adjustments need to be made to allow you to fully focus on getting through the next few weeks of virtual education.
We’ve put together 5 tips on how you can study effectively whilst stuck at home or university.
1. Sort out your study space
Make some room for you to study. If you have a desk in your room, get decluttering and remove any unwanted items to make room for your books, computer and stationery. If you don’t have a desk, find a dedicated area where you can study. Again, make sure the area is clear from clutter, its quiet and spacious enough for your study materials. Don’t go crazy and take over the whole dinner table but make the most of the space you have so you can concentrate and prepare yourself for the next few weeks.
2. Create a timetable
Get yourself organised and plan your week of studying. Schedule your study times, your breaks, and ensure you get an hour’s lunch. Set reasonable limits for how much time you spend to studying each day and break it up in manageable chunks of time. Remember to give yourself plenty of breaks. Spending too much time at the screen or with your head in the books, can cause headaches and fatigue and may put you out of studying for the next day or two.
Don’t be waking up at 11am and thinking, let’s see how the day goes. Try to have a normal routine, as it would be like if you were at university. Keep your weekends free to recharge your batteries. Maybe try getting out of those pyjamas and motivating yourself for the day ahead.
3. Communicate with others
It’s always beneficial if you are studying with others. My advice would be to get your friends on zoom/whatsapp/Microsoft teams and have a study session each week. Engage with your peers on these video platforms and across social media. Ask questions, share your thoughts and ideas and collaborate. Having those video calls with your friends will also help with your mental health, providing that sense of togetherness.
Also, try reaching out to your teachers for support. They are always on hand to offer help and answer any questions you may have. Speaking with your teachers also shows them you are dedicated to getting through the virtual learning but also builds a rapport with your teacher. That rapport would come useful when you need a reference when you are looking to start your career.
4. Set yourself goals
Having set goals in mind will help you stay productive and motivated throughout the day. Remember to make sure your goals are achievable and realistic. Think about what you are aiming for by the end of the day and write it down.
5. Take advantage of productivity apps
How many apps do you have on your phone? Are any of them helping you with your studies? We live in a digital age and there’s an app for everything these days. These apps will help make studying more achievable and takes one further thing off your to do list. Here’s a few of the best productivity apps out there:
Remember The Grad Hub and many other student platforms are here to help you. You are not alone through this pandemic. Reach out, speak to family and friends and keep yourself motivated. We are in this together.
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