A key part to good grades and an all-around good time in a specific class is to keep yourself up to date with the material and make sure you understand it. Pop quizzes are the bane of our existence. That’s why study groups are probably the most powerful resource a student can get their hands on; they are beneficial because they not only bring several minds together to learn different aspects of a difficult subject, but they also help build strong bonds between classmates. Everyone learns differently, and that’s why study groups are such life savers — you might find someone who can explain it to you in your learning style, or you can help them! It’s so important that you go to the group prepared, to enhance studying effectiveness. Here is our list of things you should bring to your next study session!
1. Electronics — Laptop/tablet, phone, etc.
As much as we’d hate to admit it, we depend on our electronics, especially when it comes to studying. Bring something you can use the Mighty Google with, but don’t forget to mute the social media and YouTube notifications!
2. Chargers for all previously listed devices.
Nothing says “absolute chaos” like running out of battery life on your laptop in the middle of an emergency cram session.
3. Books.
Not all of your answers will be on the internet, and not all of your homework or projects will, either. Be sure to bring every book or material packet you have for that specific class, otherwise you’ll be passing around the one book that someone brought on accident.
4. Writing utensils.
Can’t get anywhere without them, can you? Bring an array of pens, pencils, and highlighters with you — the more the merrier.
5. Snacks!
The key to a good study session is to keep the snacks satisfying, but not so heavy that you get sleepy. Avoid big meals with lots of bread. A sweet and salty trail mix, a bag of grapes, peanut butter and any sort of dipping food… the possibilities are endless.
6. Drinks.
Just like snacks, you don’t want to go crazy. Limit your warm drinks, or drinks with lots of dairy, to a minimum so you don’t feel full and get tired. Energy drinks are your enemy, because they make you crash so hard.
7. Headphones/ear buds.
A lot of people study with music, but a lot of people don’t, so bring your headphones just in case you need a little extra soothing musical motivation, but don’t want to bother your study buddy with your music choice.
8. Fidget tools.
So this one is a little open for interpretation, because there are a lot of things that can be used to ease anxiety, ADD, ADHD, or other fidgeting during study time. It can be gum, a Fidget Spinner, Fidget Cube, PlayDough, stress ball, or even a coin! If you need it, bring it!
Are there any other important items we missed? What helps you study the best? Let us know in the comments!