On every campus, there are a great number of places where you can study. Over time, you will find the right places for you. Before you scout out a place to study, ask yourself these questions.

1. Do you like to study alone or with friends?
2. Do you study better in a place that is very quiet or are you better off in a noisier place?
3. What blocks of time do you have available for studying?
4. Will you need help in studying for a topic?

You might want to answer these questions for each class. Math may be different than Political Science for example.

Once you have answered these questions, start thinking where to look for study places. Your choices typically include:

• The library – good if you like a quiet place
• Learning Centers – good if you need help
• Student Union – good if you like to work with others or studying in a noisier area
• Building atrium/hallways – good if you like to work with others or studying in a noisier area
• Study lounges in dorms – good if you like to work with others or studying in a noisier area

Next look at your schedule. Every time you have a block of time to study (one hour or more), find the best place to study at that time. The subject you need to study in that time period will also influence your decision of where to study.

The key is to use this space consistently. One of the factors in developing the discipline is putting yourself in a place where you don’t have distractions and where there’s not much else to do but study. Students who complain that they can’t concentrate on studying find that studying becomes a lot easier when there isn’t anything else to do..