Traps (Avoid!)

Procrastination: if you’re feeling overwhelmed or not sure where to start, just jot down some ideas or formulate and outline. Just try to take the first step, not complete everything at once. Another technique may be to establish “start” dates rather than “finish” dates.

Technology: turn off your cell phone, log off facebook/twitter/myspace. If you can’t live without these distractions, use them as rewards at the end of a study session or schedule them in your breaks. But always set a time limit and stick to it. Or better yet, disable your internet accounts near exams and leave the cell phone at home.

Study environment: not your bed, not in front of the t.v.! Choose an environment that mimics the exam environment. Minimize potential distractions of phones, people, and noise. Try to have at least 3 locations that you are effective studying in and rotate them on occasion.

Know thy self… what is it that will distract you? List 5 things that you know would disrupt your studying and take preventative measures to avoid them.

“Need to do” vs. “want to do” … yes, it may be more enjoyable to go out with your friends but your stress level the next day won’t be worth it. Try to reward yourself based on tasks completed so that you may actually enjoy yourself!

Time wasters: Complete a list of your biggest time-wasters; resolve to get rid of the top 3.

Other tips:

Find a study buddy or mentor, someone who you look up to for his/her time management skills and knowledge. Try to follow his/her schedule or ask for advice.

Maximize every minute. Read on the bus, listen to podcasts in the gym, or quickly review your study schedule while waiting in a line.

Try to review notes before and after class. This will assist with your understanding and development of long-term memory on the topic (see memory skills)

Try to associate your previous habits with the ones you are trying to incorporate. For example, if the first thing you do in the morning is sit down with your breakfast and read your email, use that time instead to review your calendar and prepare for your tasks of the day.

Don’t forget to reward yourself. Perhaps you can put a visual reminder (i.e. on a fridge) of what you will do once you complete your tasks.  Also, schedule in time for social and physical wellbeing activities.