4 tips to focus on studying in college

Late-night pizza orders, athletic events, social parties and good-looking classmates are common distractions that keep many college students from doing what they should be doing -- studying.

It takes self-discipline to ignore distractions, but if you put off fun time until you've finished your coursework, you'll feel better about your academic goals. Developing friendships with students who are serious about their schoolwork may help you strengthen your study habits.

1. Limit Internet Use.

The Internet makes it difficult to focus on studying because it's so convenient. Most colleges have campuswide Internet access, so students can get online almost anywhere. According to the Health Guidance website, it's easy for college students to rationalize getting on the Internet because they may need to check e-mail messages or class assignments.

Once you're on the Internet, you may waste precious study time visiting social networking sites or searching the Web. Setting limits on Internet usage, leaving your computer in your dorm room while you study at the library and turning your computer off are ideal ways to limit distractions and focus on studying.

2. Create a Study Schedule.

Creating a study schedule can help you manage your time. According to Western Nevada College, studying for small blocks of time can make assignments and exam preparation less overwhelming. Short, tangible study periods allow you to take small breaks between sessions, giving you the opportunity to re-energize.

With busy academic schedules and roommates vying for your attention, it's often easier to fit short study periods into your hectic schedule.

3. Join a Study Group.

Misery loves company, so share the pressure and anxiety of studying with a study buddy or a study group. The Academic Skills Center at California Polytechnic State University recommends studying with classmates who aren't your best friends so you'll be more likely to study.

You and your study partner can take turns quizzing each other on relevant facts or equations, making study time more productive. Study group participants might bring up concepts you forgot to study or recall important information that the professor stressed in his lecture.

4. Clean and Organize.

Studying is nearly impossible if you don't have -- or can't find -- the right resources or materials to study. Choose a study space that's uncluttered, clean and organized, so you can lay out all your study notes and textbooks.

If you study in your dorm room, put away all your electronics, dirty clothes and empty fast food containers so you can focus on the task at hand. A clean space is not only less distracting, it's more visually appealing and inviting.

Taken from: education.seattlepi.com (article, By Kristine Tucker), Google (images).