Finding the right location is key
You have an exam coming up. You know you need to study and you have every intention to do so. You pull out your books and open to the first page. But wait…
Your apartment looks a little messy. In fact, it looks a lot messier than it did just a minute ago. There’s no way you can study in this pigsty! It’s probably best to put away your dishes first. Maybe deep clean the carpet and pair all your socks while you’re at it too. What’s that mark on the wall? Was that there when you moved in? Wait… focus!
Getting yourself in the right headspace can often be the hardest part of studying—sometimes much harder than the actual material you are trying to learn. How many times have you sat down to study and found yourself thinking about everything but your coursework? Perhaps a change in location or ambiance could be the key to buckling down and getting things done.
At home
Personally, I know that I work best from the comfort of my own home. I can put on my sweatpants, spread my notes out, and make as many cups of tea as necessary. I need to isolate myself in a tidy room with lots of open space in front of me. If my desk is directly facing a wall, it just won’t do. If the room is too silent, that won’t do either.
When I am studying or writing at home, I almost always listen to film scores. The Hobbit soundtrack is often a go-to for me. I find adventure film scores to be the best for keeping me focused—partly because they are instrumental and less distracting, but also because there is a subconscious sense of urgency and curiosity that makes the information instantly more exciting. Soundtracks for dramas like Spotlight and The King’s Speech seem to do the trick as well.
However, this may not be the best method for everyone. If you are working from home, the biggest tip I can give you is this: step away from the bed. By separating your workspace from the space you use to relax, you will train your brain to know the difference. Studying on your bed can confuse your brain and you could end up feeling tired when you’re trying to work, or you won’t be able to sleep because you can’t shut your brain off. Neither situation is ideal when it’s crunch time!
On campus
University campuses are designed with students in mind and study spots are everywhere. The McLaughlin Library is—naturally—one of the best places on campus if you prefer to work in quietly and surround yourself with a wealth of knowledge. Most students using the library are there to work, and by surrounding yourself with others who appear to be focused and determined could also help with your own motivation (even if everyone is actually on Facebook or sleeping with their eyes open due to extreme exhaustion). The library is also a great place to find help if you get stuck—whether from a book, a librarian, or a staff member—and is open long hours, from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. throughout the week, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the weekends during the fall and winter semesters.
If you prefer to be less isolated and find that a constant buzz of activity helps to stimulate your inner study machine, many of the best places are also quite centrally located on campus. The Bullring has several comfy couches, good food, and a very vintage-chic vibe to it. It does, however, get very busy and loud during lunchtime, so it’s best to avoid the rush. The University Centre also has a few good study areas, like the Daily Grind, the elevated airport lounge, and the Brass Taps (in case you want a pint with your Proust).
The Summerlee Science Complex, named after the former president of the University, is a fantastic option if you find natural daylight helpful for studying. Despite its name, the building is not restricted to science students and offers a bright, fresh atmosphere, though it can get quite busy at times as well. If you’re looking for an even fresher atmosphere, there’s nothing stopping you from pulling up a tree in the Arboretum on a nice day and becoming one with nature (and your notes).
Off campus
Again, if you’re not the kind of person who needs complete silence to work, Guelph is riddled with countless coffee shops and cafés that offer that chattering of activity, as well as an array of tasty treats and beverages to keep you going. The Red Brick Café and Planet Bean are popular spots for students due to their cozy (but not too cozy) environments, availability of outlets, and free wi-fi. Also, if you’re the kind of person who needs natural lighting to focus, The Common is a newer addition to Guelph’s café roster that has become a hub for creative energy and all things espresso (come to think of it, maybe that’s where the energy comes from).
Where you choose to study can make all the difference in your ability to focus and retain information. If you’ve struggled with studying in the past, try finding a new study spot that works for you, and get into the habit of recognizing what works for you and what doesn’t.