Location, location, location

Location is very important when it comes to learning. There are certain environments that are great for some people and terrible for others when it comes to studying. No two people are exactly the same, and no two people learn exactly the same way.

• Find your study place – You can study nearly anywhere. Go to the library, computer labs, empty class rooms, outside in the grass, on a bench, at home, coffee shop, or anywhere. Just find a place that keeps you focus and limits distractions.

• Quiet vs. noisy – I am a person who needs complete silence to retain focus on my studying. People are very different. I know people that read books while listening to loud music. If I were to listen to music, I would focus on the lyrics rather than the words I’m reading. Either way, you need to determine what kind of noise environment you need to stay focused.

• Solo study or with a group – Some people learn well in groups. Some people are only productive when they are alone. I like to do a majority of my studying alone and once I feel that I have learned the material I will join a study group. This puts me in a position to help out the other people in the group and teach them the material. It also provides a review of the things that you already know.