Whether it's your first semester at uni or the first time living in Sheffield student accommodation, it can be hard finding time and a place to study and finish your assignments. It might be that you're spending too much time in front of the TV, or you miss working at your desk at home.
Studying in student accommodation whilst at university isn't all that different from studying at home.
You just need a few tips to get you started:
1. Know the Best Time to Study
Are you a morning person or a night owl? After class, are you ready to start your assignments, or do you need some time to process everything you've learned? Take some time and determine when you're most productive. If it's in the morning, then that's the time you should study. You want to be as alert and focused as you can be when you're studying. It's counterproductive to force yourself to study at a time when you're sleepy or not ready to use the information taught in class. Once you've determined the best time to study, it's time to create a dedicated study time.
2. Dedicated Study Time
After you've been at uni for a fortnight, you have a good idea of how much time you need to dedicate to your studies. It's a good idea to schedule dedicated schedule times. This might be an hour each evening or a couple of hours every other day. It's beneficial to schedule this time for a period before you normally go off with friends.
You don't want to try completing an assignment after you've had a couple of pints. When you don't have assignments or studying to do, it's a good idea to spend your dedicated study time reading ahead or reviewing instead of skipping it. Once you get in the habit of studying at the same time, it becomes much easier.
3. Create a Study Space
Student accommodation isn't known for having a lot of space, so you might not have room for a desk. However, it's a good idea to create a study space for yourself and go to the same place each time you need to complete an assignment, read over materials, or study. Whilst you might not be able to make it a dedicated space, you should return to the same place each time you need to work.
Each time you return to your study space, you'll find it easier to clear your mind and start studying. You want to keep your space neat and tidy, so you can find your completed assignments, books, or other printed materials when you need them.
4. Make Time for Mates
You don't want to spend all of your time at uni studying and working. It's beneficial to find a balance between studying and socializing. Once you've created a dedicated study time, why not work out a schedule of activities with your mates? It's challenging being at uni and learning new things, and if you spend all of your time studying, you'll get to a point where you feel overwhelmed. You need to make time for work and play to be successful.
5. Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Do you struggle to get the right answer in maths or science? Perhaps, you can't seem to remember the date of the Magna Carta. If you're struggling in your classes at uni, don't be afraid to ask for help. Start by talking to your professor. They might be able to review the material with you and provide help. If you need to, enlist the help of a tutor. You could also suggest a study group for your fellow students. If you create a study group, make sure to invite a diverse group of students so someone always understands and can help others with the material.
6. Feed Your Body as Well as Your Mind
There's a reason that experts tell you to start the school day with a good breakfast. You can't learn when you're hungry. It's beneficial to make yourself a healthy snack to enjoy before you start studying or whilst you're studying. You might eat something high in protein to keep your stomach from rumbling but also provides energy. Don't stop studying to make a snack because it'll become easier to become distracted with other chores and tasks.
7. Make Sure You Get Enough Sleep
At any age, a student needs a minimum of eight hours of sleep. It's essential to get enough sleep to learn successfully. If you're tired, you'll find your mind drifting while you're trying to learn or read. When you have an exam the next morning, you're better off getting a full night sleep than trying to stay up all night and cramming the information. In fact, if you have an exam in the late afternoon, you might consider a nap before going to class. With your mind clear and sharp, you'll find it easier to process the information and focus on the assignments.
8. Create a Study List
Before your designated study time, create a list of the things you need to get done during your study time. This might be an assignment, readings, or studying for an upcoming exam. You want to put these in order of importance. If you have problems completing your studying during the time you've allotted, you might consider a time limit for everything on your list. Set a timer as you start each thing, and move on to the next when your timer goes off. You might need to increase your dedicated study or a little discipline might keep you focused on the task.
When you first move into your student accommodation, you might find it hard to study and complete the course work. However, with a new routine, and a few of these tips, you can become successful at uni. When you're looking for student accommodation in Sheffield, bear in mind Claypenny manage a suite of some of the best student properties in Sheffield. Please, contact our office to schedule a viewing.
