Where to Study to Make the Most of It

Where you choose to study can affect your level of concentration and how much information you absorb. Finding a place that works for you and your schedule and sticking with it is important. There is a reason that people have actual rooms in their homes called "Studies". Having a place that you come to only for studying helps to program your mind and body to be prepared to study when you are in that particular setting.

Experts have suggested the same thing when it comes to bedrooms. People who spend a lot of time in their bedrooms doing things other than sleeping, such as watching TV or socializing, have a harder time falling asleep than people who use their bedrooms for sleep alone. This is part of the reason that so many people find the library to be an ideal study place. Not only is it quiet and free of distractions, but they only come there to study, so they are instantly in "study mode" when they walk through the door.

So find a place to study that you will only be using for academic purposes. If you are lucky enough to have extra room in your home, you can create your own little study retreat if you like, as long as you reserve it solely for studying. There are advantages to studying at home, such as not having to worry about forgetting to bring any of your notes or materials and being able to study on your own schedule. However, studying at home can also be very distracting, especially if you have roommates or a family.

While some students claim that they can study effectively amidst various distractions, such as in large crowds or with music blaring, I find this hard to believe. In my experience, and from what I've read on the subject, the fewer distractions, the more productive your study time will be. However, different things will distract some people more than others.

While most people are distracted by noises, some people are much more aware of noises than are others and it is more important for them to be in an extremely quiet setting in order to study. Some people find it distracting to study in an area that is cluttered or messy while other people wouldn't take notice if they were seated on a pile of garbage. Some people find it relaxing to study in a room with natural light and a view of the outdoors, while an open window would be distracting for some who would much rather be enjoying the outdoors. The sight of other people studying is motivating for some, such as in a library setting, while others will use this as an excuse to people-watch instead of paying attention to their studies. Figure out what bothers you the most and try to create your ideal study setting.

Dorms are some of the worst places to study because there are constant distractions. There are simply too many people, too much going on and too many activities available that are more attractive than studying. You are also more likely to get too comfortable when studying in your dorm or at home. While you want your study area to be comfortable, you don't want to get too comfy. A little discomfort will keep your brain alert.

Many university libraries have individual study rooms that you can reserve so that you are guaranteed absolute peace and quiet with no visual distractions. An empty classroom is also a great place to study. You can go hours with zero interruptions and there is no way that you are going to get too comfortable in most classroom chairs! Some people find a quiet cafe or coffee house to be a good place to study. I personally still find them to have too many distractions, but they do tend to have an atmosphere that is conducive to studying and snacks are always available to give your energy a boost and help keep your brain alert.

Wherever you choose, find a place that is free from distractions and pleasant to be in without being too comfortable. Make it your own special study spot and do your studying there whenever possible. Your brain will learn to be alert when you enter your study spot and you will get the most use of your study time. If there's one thing I remember about college it's that time was precious!

Places you definitely shouldn't study:

-In the car (while driving) I've seen it done!
-At the bar (seen this one as well)