Tips for studying in Lockdown

Everyone is different, and everyone works differently. After all this time of online university, I’ve learned some tricks that work for me – maybe at least one of them will help, maybe not! If anyone else has tips, feel free to leave them in the comment section. 

Image from Unsplash

1.     Time is an illusion 

There’s this idea that you’re only “productive” if you go to bed early, wake up early, and start work early. If you have a lot of early morning lectures and seminars, you’re unfortunately stuck with that, but if you don’t, try to get out of that mindset! 

     We all have our own internal rhythms, and there’s no point in trying to stick to everyone else’s. If you’re a night owl and you’re able to, don’t feel bad if you wake up at midday and start uni work at 6pm! Do whatever is easiest for you. 

 

2.     Make studying fun

I know, this isn’t always easy. Just see if there’s something you can do that will make you want to study. Sometimes the content is exciting, but sometimes you need to find other inspiration. 

     Fairy lights or LEDs around your desk, a nice computer setup, a hot chocolate or a big mug of coffee, a study playlist full of bops, regular breaks for a fun activity; it’s easier to study if you manage to trick your brain into wanting to do it, rather than viewing it as a task you need to do. 

 

3.     Stay active in seminars

Online seminars can get awkward and boring, and they’re just not the same as in-person seminars. If you regularly find yourself bored in seminars, contribute! It’s the best way to make them interesting, and the whole point of the seminar. 

     If you’re uncomfortable with speaking, just use the chat. It’s not only the best way to learn, but the best way to shape the seminars into whatever you’re most interested in. If someone says something you’re curious about, ask questions, and if you’re lucky you’ll really enjoy the next 10 minutes. Besides, the more people contribute, the more fun it gets for everyone. 

 

4.     Variation is key

Lockdown sometimes has a bit of a Groundhog Day vibe for me, where I just feel like I’m reliving the same day over and over again. Try to change things up, even if they’re tiny. 

      Make a mocha instead of black coffee, move your study session from your desk to the dining table, take notes by hand instead of on the computer, swap from lo-fi beats to game soundtracks, have pancakes for breakfast instead of cereal – make small changes so the days feel slightly less the same, and everything becomes a tiny bit more interesting.