Virtual Campus

Survival Skills

Environment
Set aside a fixed place to do your studying - free from distractions. After a while, studying becomes the appropriate thing to do in that environment.

Goal Keeping
Before you start an assignment, write down the time you expect to finish it. Putting pressure on yourself to finish the task will help with efficiency. Also set smaller goals for yourself such as a certain amount of time to finish a first page of an assignment. Divide your assignment into smaller units with a time goal for each one.

Daydreaming
If you find yourself daydreaming, turn away from your books. You don't want daydreaming and studying to be associated. A physical act, such as turning around will help separate the two. Once you are ready to return to your studies, you will be able to concentrate better. While reading, stop at the end of each page and count to ten - it will help focus your mind on what you are doing.

Time
Set aside a certain time to study. People tend to do certain things at particular times of the day, sometimes without being aware of doing so. Generally parts of your behavior are habitual. Making your study habitual makes it easier to keep focused.

Reminders
If you find yourself studying and thinking about things that need to be done, write it down. You can then return to studying without cluttering your mind with outside thoughts.

Relax
Relax before you start to study. Associate studying with relaxation, not with tension and anxiety. When you study, study. This helps clear your mind and focus on the task at hand.