You need to let your brain know that it's time to study.
Find a specific place to study that is convenient for you, and try to study
there whenever you can. Most people also have a specific time of the day
that is most productive for them. Figure out when this is as take advantage
of that. Another good time to study is between classes. If you have an
hour or two to kill, why not spend it studying instead of watching TV?
Get your body used to studying at a certain time and place and it won't
be so hard to get started.
Most people don't like to study because it's boring. That's
obvious. The best thing to do to try to keep things interesting is to break
work into sections. Start with the hard stuff and get it out of the way.
The rest of your work will seem easy. If one subject starts to get monotonous
and you find your thoughts drifting, switch to something else. Spending
too much time on one subject won't be as productive as if you spend a little
bit of time on each subject you have.
When all else fails and you start getting antsy, take
a break. Squirming in your seat won't get you anywhere, and either will
fall asleep. Get up and stretch, go take a quick walk around campus, grab
a soda or munchies, anything that will get you revitalized and won't take
long. Do not turn on the TV or you'll never go back to studying.
Study groups are one of the best ways to study because
everyone learns more. Check with your professor or TA to see if sessions
are offered for your class, or if not, ask around to see if anyone else
is having trouble and study with them. Not everyone learns the same way
or the same stuff, so you might be able to explain a concept that no one
else understood, while someone else can help you out. This also keeps studying
from getting too boring. Just keep in mind the reason you formed the group-to
study, not to watch ER!
Things like telephone calls, the television, music, and
visitors make keep studying interesting, but they are very distracting.
As you look for a place to study, make sure the place is quiet, has little
or no traffic, and is set up for studying. A big soft easy-chair or couch
may be comfortable, or you may prefer to sprawl out on your bed to study,
but it is easy to fall asleep or become distracted. Sit at a table or desk
where there isn't anything else to do except study. (A good place to try:
SU library-there are many desks, tables, and study-carrels in out-of-the-way
places like the basement or in the back of second floor.)