How to Effectively Study with Friends

By Sadie Brown on February 15, 2018

Studying with friends can be difficult. You laugh together, gossip together, and barely get anything done. You sometimes forget that being able to study was the goal as mindless gossip is more entertaining. As girls, we grab coffee and chit chat about the cute guy in the corner, and guys (I assume) talk sports or other girls. It’s okay to talk about things other than school, it’s healthy, but doing schoolwork is important too. Being with friends is fun and all, but when it comes to studying what can we do? Instead of studying alone and not being able to focus, here are a few tips on how to effectively study with friends!

via Pixabay.com

1. Don’t study in the apartment: The apartment at school becomes your safe space. It’s somewhere you can call home and relax. The problem with relaxing 24/7 is not getting any work done. It’s so easy to get distracted with all your things and your friends’ things around. Too many distractions equal procrastination and a failing grade. So leave. Go to campus, sit on the lawn or the library, and crack those book spines.

2. Go to your local or campus library: Studying in the library is so much quieter than being anywhere else. If you have a campus library that rents out study rooms, I highly recommend that. If not, that’s fine; stay in the library with friends. You’ll be surrounded by your tribe but forced to be proactive.

3. Share a common goal: It’s pointless to study when you don’t really need to (FYI: you always need to). Being surrounded by friends who have a test when you do, homework due the same time as yours, or papers to write and essays to read is an easy motivator. When we share a common goal, it’s easier to be productive.

4. Take breaks: When we’re with friends we want to laugh and cut up. That’s okay! Set aside time to mellow out your mind and giggle. Study breaks help your brain take a break and your body relax.

5. Be honest: Let’s say you and some friends are studying. They’re talking, or you’re tired and no one can focus. It’s okay to call it for the night/day and go into your room. A real friend will understand that you need to recharge or just need a break from the fun. Don’t stress about upsetting anyone.

Moral of the content: Studying and friendships are important. But don’t forget what you came to college for! Education is what you’re paying for and friends are the bonus. Remember to prioritize and be amongst like-minded people!

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