1.3.3 REDUCE DISTRACTIONS

Where should you study? Some students find that it’s best not to study in places associated with leisure, such as the kitchen table, the living room, or in front of the TV, because these places lend themselves to interruptions and other distractions. Similarly, it might be unwise to study on your bed because you might drift off to sleep when you need to study or learn to associate your bed with studying and not be able to go to sleep when you need to. Instead, find quiet places, both on campus and at home, where you can concentrate and develop a study mind-set each time you sit down to do your work.

Try to stick to a routine as you study. The more firmly you have established a specific time and a quiet place to study, the more effective you will be in keeping up with your schedule. If you have larger blocks of time available on the weekend, for example, take advantage of that time to review or catch up on major projects, such as term papers, that can’t be completed effectively in 50-minute blocks. Break down large tasks and take one thing at a time; you will make more progress toward your ultimate academic goals.

Here are some more tips to help you deal with distractions:

• Turn off the computer, TV, CD or DVD player, iPod, or radio unless the background noise or music really helps you concentrate on your studies or drowns out more distracting noises (people laughing or talking in other rooms or hallways, for instance). Consider silencing your cell phone so that you aren’t distracted by incoming calls or text messages.
• Stay away from the computer if you’re going to be tempted to check e-mail or Facebook.
• Try not to let personal concerns interfere with studying. If necessary, call a friend or write in a journal before you start to study, and then put your worries away.
• Develop an agreement with your roommate(s) or family about quiet hours. If that’s not possible, find a quiet place where you can go to concentrate.