<p>I'm a new college student and I'm looking for some advice. So far the transition hasn't been so bad, but I still feel a little out of sorts--like I'm not at my best. I need to buckle down but I don't know how. What would you recommend? What works?</p>
<p>Get a planner or some sort of method to keep track of all your homework and when it’s due. Keep up on it and always be aware of what’s due in the next several days, what’s the most important/high priority, etc. Also, I recommend a wall calendar to keep track of other commitments like clubs, sports, or even just spending time with friends. </p>
<p>If you’re having a hard time staying focused on schoolwork, you might need a change of scenery. I stay on task a lot better if I’m in the library than if I am in my dorm room, where people might come in and talk to me, or I might get distracted by something. </p>
<p>It also helps me to set aside time specifically to do whatever it is I need to do. I might say, for the next hour I will work on this one assignment, and then after that, I can take a break.</p>
<p>Time management is difficult for me too, but I have found that these things help a lot.</p>
<p>I use a weekly planner so I know what I have to do each and every day.</p>
<p>I’m also quite a bit structured (and have always been), so I kind of study the same material every few days so that by the time an exam comes, I can recall the information quickly. </p>
<p>If it’s something like math, I usually just practice the problems in the textbook every few days as well.</p>
<p>Just like EmilyLaurann said, too, if you are easily distracted, then go visit a quiet place on campus so you can focus. If you don’t live on campus or don’t want to stay on campus, then you can go to a quiet area like Starbucks or something and study there.</p>
<p>Also, if you have a friend who is willing to study with you, whether it be about the same subject or not, that always helps. Be aware, though, that you want to study with a friend who won’t distract you. </p>
<p>Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>For me, making a list is very helpful. Tomorrow’s list has everything from a quick phone call that needs to be made to putting in some work on a long term project to getting some paperwork done for work to getting to the gym. Crossing off each item gives me great positive reinforcement and motivates me to do more. The trick is making the list manageable for each day.</p>
<p>Do homework ASAP, even if the deadline is in the future. Always try to learn the material and do the problems before lecture. That way, you’ll know what to focus on and lecture will also be easier to follow and more engaging.</p>
<p>Find a good study environment. Your dorm room probably isn’t the best place.</p>
<p>Focus on the positive. If you’re stuck doing homework, make the best of it instead of thinking about the stuff you’d rather be doing.</p>
<p>Eliminate distractions (Facebook, TV, etc.)</p>
<p>the library.</p>
<p>Ritalin. Yes, I actually have a prescription.</p>
<p>Ok, Ritalin and Adderal, since they’ve been brought up: Are they really worth it? Do they really do anything?</p>
<p>I don’t think I’ve been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. I mean, I get distracted as much as the next guy, but I don’t think it’s ever been vas enough to justify a diagnosis.</p>
<p>Is it worth trying? What are the side-effects?</p>
<p>It’s not worth trying IMO. I take a good Acai Berry energy supplement and it gives me great mental acuity to help me stay on task. Most of my lack of studying problems were really just the result of me being lazy and managing my time poorly. Using a schedule has helped me tremendously. If you don’t have one I highly reccomend using Google Calendar.</p>
<p>I am personally against having any sort of drugs in my system, even when I’m sick. I’ve read that ritalin and adderal can both cause similar, but milder reactions as cocaine. That is… when you start snorting them, which is actually a faster, more efficient drug delivery pathway than swallowing or injecting… Anyways, I would stay away from them because they do have similar long term side effects as hard stimulants like coke. With the trouble associated with drugs, you might as well use the energy to actually learn the material.</p>
<p>Ritalin and adderall are drugs. If you take too much or are taking them when you don’t truly need them, you’ll end up overfocusing. That’ll result in a variety of problems including getting caught up in useless details or forgetting to eat/sleep (thus destroying mental alertness).</p>
<p>huge gray area with whether a person “truly” needs them, whether you need it for a test, a real diagnosis, or just midday drowsiness. I mean anything you take outside a prescription is a little risky, because you don’t really know how much is too much. It could be really easy to start getting careless.</p>
<p>I’ve never taken any drugs that helped you stay on task. Honestly, I’m procrastinating from studying and homework right now. I even have a schedule and a to-do list. </p>
<p>What gets me going? Pressure on time limits.</p>