This post was sponsored by ACCO Brands as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
In terms of academics, there are a lot of ways to do better in school. Obviously, studying can help, but I’m talking about the ways you might not think of. Especially ways that don’t necessarily mean spending more time reading textbooks or staring at flashcards.
1. Put Your Phone in Another Room
This may not be particularly surprising, but you might not think to do this. Sometimes “Do Not Disturb” just isn’t enough. When your phone is physically far away from you, the chances of being distracted are even lower.
2. Change Your Note-taking Method
This mostly applies if your current method isn’t really working for you. There are plenty of methods out there but one of the simplest changes you can make is swapping out your note-taking medium. For example, if you use your computer to take notes, try a notebook instead. Whenever I bring a computer to class to take notes you can guarantee that I’ll be blogging, checking Pinterest and online shopping for at least twenty minutes of my class. Honestly? If I bring my laptop to class it generally means I’ve lost faith in the professor and have realized I can get an A without paying attention in class.
For example, if you use your computer to take notes, try a notebook instead. Whenever I bring a computer to class to take notes you can guarantee that I’ll be blogging, checking Pinterest and online shopping for at least twenty minutes of my class. Honestly? If I bring my laptop to class it generally means I’ve lost faith in the professor and have realized I can get an A without paying attention in class. If you know taking notes electronically is setting you up for distracion, grab a notebook and a pen.
3. Use the Right Supplies
For me, the right supplies are both functional and pretty. The appearance of school supplies gives me a mood-boost and makes me actually want to take notes. Plus, the functionality, well, makes them functional.
I mostly use notebooks from Mead Five Star because they’re functional, durable and cute. I love that the notebooks are waterproof and have pockets. Organizational pockets are so helpful when it comes to sorting handouts and miscellaneous notes. A lot of Mead Five Star’s notebooks also have a binder feature that allows you to add more paper, which means you never have to worry about running out of space for your notes.
The supplies you need for each class varies depending on your course. For a class with a lot of notes, a multi-subject notebook or binder might be best. For classes with few notes and a lot of hand outs, you might prefer a small notebook with a folder insert inside.
It’s wise to check the syllabus and take notes for a new class on loose leaf paper before committing to a note-taking method. Then, transfer the notes you’d taken into your new notebook or binder. Think of it like a trial period. I’ve wasted beautiful notebooks on classes where I hardly needed to take notes too many times, so now I tend to take notes on paper for a few classes before committing to a notebook.
4. Use a Library Computer
While being couped up in the library isn’t appealing, it’s a great hack for really focusing and getting work done. Something about using a library computer always boosts my productivity. Here’s why:
- I’m surrounded by students who are doing work, which makes me feel like I should be doing work. Contrary to what literally everyone else will tell you, peer pressure can sometimes be a good thing.
- I usually avoid Facebook/YouTube/etc on these because I’m not already logged in and I feel like someone could be watching. Something about procrastinating while on a college computer feels wrong.
- Using a computer mouse makes me more productive for some reason, I think it’s quicker than a laptop touchpad.
- If I hauled my ass all the way to the library I feel like I need to make it count or I made the trip for nothing. It’s kind of like guilting myself into doing work. Again, not great, but there’s nothing wrong with an uncouth method.
Chances are, working in the library will boost your productivity, too. Try it!
5. Change Your Location & Time
Almost everyone has a place where they’re most productive. For some, it’s the library. For others, it might be outside in the shade or in the dorm’s common area. Try a few places out and see where you knock out the most assignments and essays.
Another aspect to consider is the time of day when you’re most productive. Personally, when I wake up early I get a lot of work done. Others may work best in the afternoon or at night. Take note of when you’re most and least productive. I’m most productive at 9:00 AM and least productive at 3:00 PM.
6. Move Your Seat
Although there are those unspoken assigned seats in class, sometimes you just gotta move. If the person in front of you is constantly on their computer shopping or watching videos and you find yourself constantly paying attention to their screen instead of the professor (me!), move. If you can’t see the board, move. If you feel like sitting in the back is causing you to slack, sit up front. Sitting in the front row is almost guaranteed to make you pay attention, even if only out of uncomfortableness and guilt.
7. Sit at a Desk
I love doing work while sitting in my bed, but it’s dangerous. Your mind typically associates your bed with sleep and, if your work is super boring, you might even drift off. If you’re sitting up and working at a desk, you’ll probably feel more productive and, if nothing else, you’ll have a more work-centric mindset versus a sleep-centric one. Plus, doing work in your bed can mess up your sleep schedule and make it a bit tougher to fall asleep!
What helps you do better in school?
