Summer is quickly coming to an end. As much as we all hate to see it go, we can look forward to things like fall bonfires, pumpkin spice everything, and Christmas movies playing on repeat before we know it.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s prepare for the upcoming school year. Whether you are a high school student or a college student, you might have some anxieties that come with going back to school.

Discovering the best study methods for you can help alleviate some of the stress this year. Here are some tips to help you tackle the school year with confidence.

Distraction Free Environment

• Work from a desk or the kitchen table. For many of us, we are most comfortable in our bed where our TV is, access to a quick nap, or scrolling on Tik Tok. Removing yourself from a distracting environment will help keep the focus.
• Turn off the TV. Whether you’ve dedicated 10 minutes or one hour of your time. Until you’ve completed the duration of the dedicated study time, keep the TV off. This will keep you engaged and from getting invested to what is happening on the screen.
• Silence your cellphone. In the age of Tik Tok, Snapchat, and Instagram our phones are constantly calling our names. Turing your phone on DND or silencing it during studying hours will help prevent those in between distractions.

Tricks that Work for You

• What works for someone else might not work for you.  Find the best study habits for you. If you are a visual learner, create diagrams or concept maps to show visual representation of what you are learning.
• Better at memorization? Flashcards are a staple in study habits. Create your own or find premade flash cards on the topic you’re researching.
• Repetition works! The more you do something, the more familiar your will become with the concept. Ask your professor for blank practice worksheets or find premade ones about the topic you are studying. Click here for an example.

Better in Numbers

• Seek help from others in your class. It can be hard to find the motivation to study solo. Study groups are a great way to bounce ideas off other individuals, learn new studying tricks, and a great way to quiz each other.
• Ask for clarification. If you are struggling with a topic, don’t be afraid to ask for additional clarification on a subject. Most professors provide office hours for one-on-one time with students who need extra help. Refer to your syllabus or email them with questions for more information.
• Remember to reward yourself. Studying requires dedication and takes time out of your day. Treat yourself to a Owala coffee tumbler for those late night sessions, buy yourself a pair of headphones to help create a distraction free environment, go out to a special dinner, or celebrate with friends after long hours of studying.

Although summer is quickly coming to an end, we shift our focus to prepare for the upcoming school year. Whether you are a high school student or a college student, having anxiety about returning to school could be creeping up.

Creating a distraction-free environment can help you stay focused on the topics that you may be struggling with. Remember, it’s important to do what works for you. Study habits that are effective for someone else may not be suitable for you. Experiment with different tips and tricks to find what fits best. Don’t forget to collaborate with others during your study journey. Reward yourself for your accomplishments and keep pushing forward!

To help with the anxieties of returning to school, finding effective study methods that work for you can help alleviate some of that stress. Try these tips to help you take on the new year with certainty.