Often, studying may seem like a dreadful chore that we want to avoid at all costs. When we start perceiving studying this way, we can quickly become discouraged at the simple thought of doing so and as a result, struggle with maintaining a regular studying routine. With studying being a part of our daily lives, I believe that it should never have to be a dreadful or boring experience. Luckily, throughout my undergraduate studies, I have gathered some easy ways to make studying more fun. Here are some of my tips that can hopefully help you enjoy studying more and motivate you to sit at your desk to work not only because you have to, but because you want to.
1. Create a comfortable area
Making your desk area more comfortable and nice-looking will likely make studying there more enjoyable for you. To achieve this, you do not need to buy a whole new “Instagram-worthy” setup. Instead, simply try using dim or natural lighting, removing any clutter, adding some plants, lighting a candle, buying some cute stationery and decor pieces, etc. These simple changes will make your workspace more appealing and hopefully encourage you to spend more time there studying.
2. Put on a good playlist
When you sit at your desk to study, put on some nice lo-fi, classical music or any other genre that does not have too many lyrics. This will allow you to create a pleasant ambiance without getting distracted. A lot of playlists are available online for free. I personally enjoy listening to lofi music live streams on the “Chillhop Music” or “LTB Music” YouTube channels.
3. Study with friends
Whether it is virtually or in person, studying with peers is always more fun. That is, as long as you can remain focused and not veer away from the topic. Try explaining concepts to one another, quiz each other or just get together to study individually at the same time.
4. Use interactive methods
Reading your notes over and over until you finally memorize them can be very boring and, in my opinion, is not the most effective method. Instead, try using some more interactive study methods like flashcards, quizzes, and review exercises. You can easily find some of these resources online or make your own, which makes you review simultaneously.
5. Visit a new study location
From time to time, changing your usual study location can be a nice change. For instance, you can visit a new local café, a park or one of your city’s libraries. Being in a new environment can make studying seem like an adventure rather than a chore by allowing you to discover new spaces and get out of your routine.
I hope that these tips will help you stay motivated to study and have as much fun as possible while doing so. Remember that as students, studying is a major part of our daily lives so it should not have to be an unpleasant experience!
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Feature image by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash.