By, Roxy Simons February 29, 2016
With classes, work, extracurricular activities, not to mention a social life, students are swamped. Finding a three hour time slot to sit down and study can seem like an impossible task, which is why learning to study in unusual places is of the utmost importance. The key to being able to study anywhere and anytime is to always be prepared. Make sure all your notes are neat, organized, and easy to read, so you can absorb information with just a quick glance. Keep flash cards handy. Carry a textbook with you. Any free moment you spend staring into space is a moment you could be studying. Once you get into the habit, you won’t believe all the time you used to waste not studying.
Bathtub/Bathroom:
More than likely, the bathroom is the only room in your home without a TV, computer, or comfy couch, which means you’re more likely to be able to focus there. It may seem silly or gross, but keep a stack of flash cards next to the toilet to peruse while you’re doing your business or thumb tack your notes to the opposite wall so you have to look at them while on the toilet. You could also write a few notes on the mirror in erasable marker, so you have to do some reviewing every time you look at your reflection. And of course, if you’re going to take a long bubble bath, you might as well get some studying done! Put your notes in plastic sleeves so they don’t get wet or prop your textbook up on a bathtub tray.
Gym:
While you’re strengthening your body, why not simultaneously strengthen your mind? Take your textbook or notes to the gym and prop them up on the stand on a treadmill, elliptical, or bike.
Public Transportation:
If you rely on a bus or train to get around, you already know that you have an extra free 20 minutes to do whatever you want; after all, you don’t have to focus on the road. Bring headphones to help you block out the chatter and general commotion of commuters entering and exiting, but don’t let your music distract you either. My favorite study music is classical, but any songs without lyrics will do. Set a goal each ride to read a certain amount of chapters or to memorize a certain number of facts.
Beach/Pool:
Being stuck in the library for hours on end staring at your notes can be tedious and exhausting. While it’s important to study, you also deserve some rest and relaxation. Take your notes to the beach or pool. After you’ve gone in for a swim and taken a nap on your towel, get back to work.
While Waiting
Whether you’re waiting in line, waiting for the bus, or waiting for class to start, this is precious time that could be spent looking over your notes. If you have to stand, no problem! Just have your flashcards ready to skim. If you’re able to sit, then you have no reason to not whip out your textbook and get some reading done.