Here are some tips and tricks from current college students to help you stay productive and focused during your study sessions.

Divide Your Time Into Achievable "Power Hours"

Breaking your study time into smaller, focused chunks can significantly boost retention and motivation. The Pomodoro Technique, which involves 25-30 minutes of studying followed by a 5-minute break, helps maintain concentration and prevents burnout. Experiment with different time blocks to find what works best for you.

"I always recommend studying in intervals. For me, I usually do 30 minutes studying then give myself a five-minute break to talk to my friends or scroll on my phone!" - Gianna Malnati, Sophomore at Santa Clara University

"I always start working when the time ends in either 0 or 5. For example, starting work at 4:30 or 4:45, rather than 4:32 or 4:57. This helps me easily track my time and push through longer sessions!" - Jordan Obiekwe at Brown University

Mix Up Your Study Spaces

A change of environment can help refresh your mind and improve concentration. If you find yourself zoning out, try relocating to a new setting - a quiet cafe, a different library section, or even an outdoor space. New surroundings can reinvigorate your focus and make studying feel less monotonous.

"When studying becomes hard, change up your scenery. I usually will start in the university library and when I start losing focus on my work, I will move to a different building on campus to start fresh." - Gianna Malnati, Sophomore at Santa Clara University

Use Music to Lock Into Study Mode

Music can be a great tool for concentration - provided you pick the right kind. Classical or instrumental music is ideal for tasks requiring deep focus, while upbeat tracks might help with creative tasks like writing. Additionally, keeping distractions like your phone out of reach can significantly improve study efficiency.

"I always listen to classical music when rewriting my notes. It's different from what I listen to for fun so it helps me focus." - Malcolm Karzmer, Sophomore at Ohio State University

"My strangest study habit would definitely be listening to high-tempo pop music when writing essays. I have yet to figure out why, but for some reason it really helps me write fast and efficiently."

"I always put my phone in another room so I can stay focused on the task at hand." - Jordan Obiekwe, Freshman at Brown University

Seek Unfamiliar Study Buddies

Your closest friends might be great company, but they can also be distractions when it's time to buckle down. Studying with less familiar classmates can encourage accountability and keep discussions on-topic. Plus, it's a great way to network and form new connections!

"Studying with acquaintances and non-close classmates is usually more effective than studying with your closest friends because you're more likely to stay focused on work and you can develop closer relationships with new people - expanding your circle." - Jordan Obiekwe, Freshman at Brown University

By incorporating these simple yet effective study habits, you can optimize your learning and make the most out of every study session. Try these techniques and see which ones work best for you!

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