How to study more effectively while #staying at home

Photo:pexels

The Serbian government is about to lift some containment measures taken to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. Nevertheless, it is still uncertain when universities and faculties in Serbia will be back to their normal schedules. In the meantime, most students are taking classes online and adjusting to a new normal in which home study is the only option. To help you boost your productivity during these challenging times (and even after the pandemic is over), we have gathered a few useful tips for current and prospective students. Continue reading to discover how to improve your study habits and achieve your academic goals.

 

1. Clean out your study space and keep it tidy

A big pile of dirty dishes or laundry scattered all over the room will distract you and it will not put you in the right mood for studying. Try to clean out your study space - even if sometimes that is the very last thing you want to do. Carve out a part of your room and use it only for studying. Once you are done with your tasks, move to another area of the room, and enjoy your free time!

 

2. Establish a routine and stick to it

If you are used to drinking coffee or exercising early in the morning, before you “officially” start your day, try to replicate the same routine while you are staying at home. With just a couple of steps, you will be able to mentally prepare yourself for studying. Once you establish what routine works for you, stick to it and repeat it Monday through Friday. This will help you stay on track with your assignments, and it will boost your overall productivity. Pro tip: avoid staying in your PJs and get dressed like you are going to school.

 

3. Turn off distractions

We know it is easy to procrastinate and spend 4 hours scrolling through Instagram posts. Turn off your phone or use apps and other online tools to set a limit on how much time per day you can spend on your social media channels. A good strategy is to set out a goal first: start with 3 hours of screen time per day and gradually reduce it. If your family members are loud, listen to music to cancel out any background noise and motivate yourself for studying. 

 

4. Reward yourself

Do not forget to pat yourself on the back once you submit your assignment on time! Make your favourite dessert or set some time aside to binge-watch a TV show or movie you always wanted to see. The reward could be anything that makes you happy, something you are looking forward to. These small treats will for sure help you keep up with your studying and staying focused!

 

5. Keep socializing

Even though socializing in person may not be the best thing to do at the moment, it is still important to stay in touch with your family, friends, and peers. Reach out to staff and other students and share your views or concerns regarding the course you are working on. Isolation can feel lonely, use the available online tools to overcome this difficult period and connect with others. Remember that we are all in this together!

 

6. Know that it is perfectly ok to not feel okay all the time

A change can be hard for everyone, even when there is no global pandemic in the picture. Try to remind yourself that it is okay to not feel okay. Use all the means you have on hand to make yourself feel better. And, more importantly, ask for help if you need it. A vast majority of resources are already available online for free. For example, the Psychological Counselling Centre for SKC Students in collaboration with the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Nis and the information portal “Uklonimo barijere” (Removing Barriers) has been offering free counselling to students and all citizens via Skype every day from 3 PM to 7 PM. Find similar initiatives online and look after your mental health!

While you are staying at home, studying hard and enjoying your free time, Study in Serbia remains available to prospective and current international students via email, Facebook, or Instagram. #Stayathome and be safe!