How to Manage Your Study Time
When to study
Try to set a specific time to study every day, and you’ll find that it makes things much easier. Look at the classes you have to attend, work out the time you need to get to them, and then set a realistic study time every day so it becomes part of your daily timetable.
And how much studying do you need to do? You can use a formula that goes something like this: for every hour of class, put in an hour and a half to two hours of study. Why the range? Some of you might read much more quickly than others, and some might take longer to absorb the same material.
Just keep in mind that the slower readers often remember for longer, so it evens out! If you can study soon after class, even better, because everything is fresh in your mind.
Do take a quick break now and then to relax. And remember: don’t push yourself too hard. If you start overscheduling your study hours, you’ll overexert yourself, and that doesn’t work well in the end.
Where to study
You probably think it doesn’t matter, but it does! We’re talking about the place you choose to sit and study. How do you know you’ve chosen well? Here's how to choose a place where you can concentrate on your studies without being disturbed or distracted. Let’s start with a process of elimination.
Don’t choose a place that may not always be available to you. Don’t park yourself somewhere you know you will be interrupted or distracted. And don’t choose a place that’s too hot or too cold, or your mind will be on the temperature, not on your books! Now for the dos.
Make sure the place you choose is well lit and airy, so it’s a pleasure to be in rather than a drudge. Find a comfortable chair, but not so comfortable that you fall asleep! Keep all your study material at hand so you don’t have to keep getting up to search for it.
Try to have a large work area or desk so all your material is close by. Keep it neat so there is enough space to write comfortably. And last but not least, close the door if you can and make sure no one disturbs you. For more ideas, see how to set up the best study room.