Finding motivation when you have so many assignments to do and lectures to attend can be difficult. We’ve put together some tips and tricks to help students increase their productivity levels.
Create a Study Schedule
Start by writing down your deadlines for the academic year. Consider approximately how much time you’ll need for each assignment and when’s best to start them. Next, consider what else you have going on in your life. This might be attending lectures, going to work shifts, and spending time with friends. You can then factor in the best times to get some studying done and create an organised study schedule. Remember to prioritise anything important and factor in more time for tasks which will take a while to do.
Beat Procrastination with the 5-Minute Rule
It’s easy to avoid doing tasks, but the 5-minute rule can help you. To do this, set a timer for five minutes and do a task which you’ve been avoiding or procrastinating on. During this time, focus completely on the task at hand. After five minutes, you can decide whether you want to continue doing it or take a break. Hopefully the task won’t seem as daunting as you originally thought, and you’ll have more motivation to carry on.
Use Productivity Tools
There are many apps and software tools out there which can allow you to work to your full potential. For example, you can add important dates to Google Calendar, like assignment deadlines, lecture times and when exams are taking place. You can also set notifications to remind you in advance of anything important happening so you don’t forget. You could even use Google Calendar to create your study schedule.
Create a To-Do List
When making a to-do list, be specific with what you need to get done. Instead of saying something vague like, ‘I need to do my assignment’, note exactly what this entails. Be more detailed and say something like, ‘I will finish my literature review’ or ‘I will write the conclusion for my essay.’ Having something specific in mind can give you a better sense of direction and goals to work towards.
Allocate Appropriate Amounts of Time
Many students leave their assignments to the last minute and find themselves working long hours to get them finished. If you often find yourself in this position, try starting your assignments a little earlier than usual. Working in small portions well in advance can be less draining and more comfortable than cramming everything at the last minute.
Take Breaks to Avoid Burnout
When you’ve got a lengthy assignment, it can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to overwork yourself. It’s important to take breaks when you can! During your break, you might go on a short walk, call a family member or grab a bite to eat to get you feeling more energised.
Listen to Productive Music
Some people can focus whilst listening to their favourite pop artist, and others can’t. You might prefer to listen to something without words, like an instrumental movie soundtrack. Many people find classical music relaxing, and others enjoy nature sounds. You just have to find what works for you!
Create a Productive Space & Remove Distractions
Start by considering what a productive space means to you. Some people focus well with background noise, like in a coffee shop, and others need complete silence. All universities have study areas, quiet rooms and libraries where you can go to get some work done. Your campus is the ideal location to go if you get distracted easily because it places you in a work-focused environment.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleepless nights are the worst, but it’s important to get some sleep as it gives you energy for the day ahead. If you often struggle to settle down and sleep for the night, here are some things you can try:
- Avoid checking your phone before going to sleep because the phone light can disrupt sleep. Try reading a book or taking a warm bath instead
- Make sure your bedroom is dark (if this is difficult, try using an eye mask)
- Decide on a time to go to bed and a time to wake up and stick to these each day. Even if this means setting an alarm every morning, it allows you to establish a routine which is healthy
Find More Tips from The Student Energy Group
At The Student Energy Group, we understand that there’s a lot to think about, and the last thing you want to worry about is your bills. We’ll combine your bills into one monthly student bills package, including electricity, water, gas, internet and your TV licence. This can then be split equally between you and your housemates. We’ll also plant a tree if you sign up with us; get a free quote from The Student Energy Group today!
