Did you know that trash day pick-up begins at 6:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. in West Goshen Township? If not, you’re not alone because neither did I until I arrived back at school at the end of August. If you’re wondering where this is going, bear with me.
The first Monday back at college is when I learned about the trash collection schedule and how noisy my environment would be. It was also when I realized I should do two things your freshman year:
- Find a space to study
- Figure out a way to focus
This type of constant commotion was new territory for me, turning those two realizations into top priorities in the event of preparing for a test. Does this sound familiar?
Being a freshman in college can encompass a similar sense of discovery, especially within the first couple of weeks. There are more papers to write, exams to take, and noise is everywhere. This can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to focus while studying; however, don’t worry because you’re not alone! From year one to year four, every student learns how to navigate roadblocks in college. Here are three study tips to get you through the year.
We are in this together!
Photo by Devon Abukasis
Take myself, for example. As you may have guessed from my knowledge of the pickup schedule, I live next to one of the busiest streets in town. School just started, and already noise has become a norm. However, I have an exam coming up. Should I give up and give into my distracting surroundings? Absolutely not, and neither should you!
Give these study tips a try:
- Put your phone on DND
- Put your phone away
- Wear headphones
Toggle the DND switch to “On”
Notifications are like a nagging fly, so ditch them and befriend “Do Not Disturb.” I know how the rush from seeing a notification can feel, immediately bringing your attention from your notes to your phone. Trust me, I’ve been there.
So, try this: put your phone on DND in Settings. I promise your notifications will still be there when you are finished studying!
Photo by Devon Abukasis
Place phone out of reach
Do you know the phrase, “Out of sight, out of mind?” Well, it applies perfectly here. By placing your phone where it is not visible, you will be less inclined to think about checking it.
So, try this tip: put your phone in a drawer or closed space, leaving only you and your notes at your chosen study spot.
Grab a pair of headphones
Photo by Devon Abukasis
When I started studying for my exam, the only thing I could focus on was where everyone was driving to and where they might be coming from. As soon as I put my headphones on, my attention went back to the Four Ps of Marketing (which are Product, Promotion, Price, and Place, by the way). Headphones are an enormous help if peace and quiet are harder to find during your first year.
So, try this: Find some headphones and block out the ruckus around you! You would be surprised by how little your surroundings matter when you can’t hear them as clearly.
If you are new to the noise, distractions, and busy pace of life in college, these tips might feel unnatural. You might be wondering if they are worth trying.
If that is the case, explore these three tips one at a time, see how you do, and then ask yourself these questions:
Which did you prefer? What worked for you? How would you describe your attention during your study session?
Welcome home, Rams! You’ve got this.
Devon Abukasis is a Media and Culture major at West Chester University. She has a passion for creating authentic content that drives engagement and builds connections with aspiring creators. She hopes to one day pursue a career in marketing to help companies optimize their brand strategy and reach audiences through strategic social media efforts. In her free time, Devon enjoys going on long walks around town or making plans with friends. Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devon-abukasis/
