Choose a motivating study spot
Finding a motivating study environment is the first step in finding motivation to study. Maybe you have a nice, quiet study space at home where you can concentrate well. But if you’re constantly distracted by chatty housemates or by your bed being dangerously tempting, it might be smart to choose a different place. How about the university library, where everyone around you is working hard too? Or maybe studying in a café works for you. Curious about the best study spots in Enschede? Check out Wisang's recommendations!
Create a tidy workspace
Whether you're at home or somewhere else: make sure your workspace is tidy. A chaos of loose papers, coffee mugs, and crumbs will not exactly boost your motivation. Make sure your study space is clean and tidy. A comfortable chair and some daylight can also really make a difference. Don’t forget to eliminate all distractions. We all know that it is very tempting to have a "quick scroll" (read: half an hour) through TikTok. Therefore, turn your phone off or on ‘do not disturb’ mode and keep it out of your sight.
Break tasks into smaller subtasks
Making a to-do list with goals and tasks is always a good idea. However, if your list consists of the tasks "learn for the statistics exam" and "write report", chances are you will not feel like actually doing it. Large tasks can be overwhelming and demotivating. My advice? Break these tasks into subtasks, such as "read article X", "write the introduction" or "prepare a reference list". This already sounds a lot more doable, right? With smaller tasks, you can also plan your time more easily and tick off things more often. And let’s be honest: ticking something off your to-do list is just very satisfying!
Start with the easiest task
Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started. Maybe reading a difficult chapter takes a lot of concentration or you don't know how to start the introduction of a report. The solution? Start with something simple, which requires little concentration and time. Think, for example, of answering an email, watching a video on the exam topic, or checking past assignments. Once you are in the flow, the rest often follows more easily.
Take plenty of breaks
Studying for hours might sound effective, but the opposite is true: you need breaks to stay focused. Try the Pomodoro technique for example: work on a task for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. After four of these cycles, take a longer break of 20-30 minutes. Pro tip: try to stay away from your screen during these breaks. Go for a walk, or get a cup of coffee or tea, for example. You will see that you work a lot more productively that way!
Use an alternative study method
Studying for an exam by reading your textbook for hours isn’t exactly exciting. Fortunately, there are plenty of other ways to study the material that are more engaging. For example, watch videos about the subject, listen to a podcast, make a mind map, or quiz yourself with flashcards. Mix it up now and then, and see what works best for you!
Reward yourself
Studying is hard work, so you deserve to have some fun once in a while. Plan enough fun activities, such as going out for dinner with friends or an afternoon on the terrace. This way, you have something to look forward to, which will motivate you. Smaller rewards are also important. Have you completed a task? Treat yourself to an ice cream from Van der Poel or watch an episode of your favourite series. Just set a clear time limit, otherwise watching just one episode can turn into an all-day binge-watching session ;).
Study together
Having a study buddy can be very motivating. Studying together offers support, a bit of peer pressure, and some fun: getting a cup of coffee together or going for a walk during a break is always better with company. You can also help each other by answering each other's questions or quizzing each other. Just make sure you pick someone who motivates you, not someone who distracts you or convinces you to go out for a drink within an hour ;).
Hopefully, these tips will help you stay motivated during the final weeks of this academic year. Good luck with those last bits, you’ve got this!
