Efficient and enjoyable summer studying?

anemoneprose

Students out there. Say you want to study, seriously (read closely, take notes) but also want to enjoy the sun for a couple of hours. Where do you go? What do you bring for maximal ergonomic benefit + comfort?

Home is good bc can move around - table, couch, floor - and there is a loo and coffee machine handy. But it's distracting in its own way, and I think I need more Vitamin D. (Also, SO BAD, but I'm a smoker [for the last year of my life, I have sworn], and nicotine, unfortunately, has been useful in keeping me from zombification; plan to quit but trying to accommodate it for now.)

I have a park nearby. Blanket in the park: ok, but, not great for *hours* (gotta move around a bit, or else get neck strain). Need to find a spot near the loos. Park bench: same thing plus people always come and sit near you Picnic table: feel guilty taking up a whole table by myself. All above involves taking stuff. What to take? Like, I want to bring neck pillows but also do not want to have to pack a bloody trailer.

Coffee shop patio: no smoking. But if I did do that - what do you do with your laptop, even just in coffee shops? People have those locks, but, do not trust. Take it into the bathroom?? What about glare from the sun on the screen?

Thanks!

IndigoFlowers

I study at home, in my room, at my desk... With no music, door closed and computer screen off! Unless I am studying prof's notes online. Or else I get distracted waaaay too easy!

I also used to love memorizing things while taking a hot bath, but after a few too many things fell in the tub I have stopped, hahah :blushing:

anemoneprose

I love studying by the pool. I don't know if that is possible where you are. Its not a place I would take my laptop though. My textbooks get wet but I don't care. The combination of kids playing and feeling like I accomplished something (making headway in my reading) is very therapeutic.
When it is cooler here I love cafes that have a patio area. I do have to take my laptop case into the bathroom which is sort of a pain and yes, finding a good shady spot where you can actually see your screen is a challenge. I think the trick is to vary your study area. Sometimes I will spend a few hours in the library, then come home and finish up at the kitchen table (don't really have a desk at home). Moving around and taking frequent breaks is key, for me anyway. I have to study about 20 hours per week on top of work and the actual classes I am taking. Not to mention the way life can get in the way.

Thanks for your tips! Appreciate it being spelled out, it's not at all obvious!

Totally agree with taking breaks & moving around! Last time I studied, I had constant neck pain from stooping, it was awful. I do anything possible to avoid that, now (I use book stands sometimes, & pillows all kinds to vary spatial relationships etc).

I would LOVE to study near a pool! There's one near me Will see if I can succeed as well as you in tuning out the kids (have doubts, but worth a try!). I've got one textbook I'm worried about surviving a few years at least, but for other stuff am just printing off & devouring the e-books, so, highly disposable; will take those. Because I'm totally going to do that, go to a pool! Do a few laps in between chapters, nice!

So take the laptop into the bathroom IS the answer, ok. I think that also means nabbing a light messenger bag, instead of a handbag + backpack or tote. So much to think about..

I sort of want to pin down 3 locations in advance, each accounting for various weather conditions, so I don't have to think too much about where the eff I have to go, that alone is a pain. Ditto eating/cooking; have been relying on convenience food more than usual.

Do you get 20 hrs of consistent study in?! I try, but wind up skimming through the term & cramming for exams (with no or little sleep). It's done me well as far as grades go, but it takes me a full week to recover, now! The good thing about doing this later in life is, my focus & concentration are high, and my anxiety's low, but the body doesn't like it so much.

anemoneprose

I study at home, in my room, at my desk... With no music, door closed and computer screen off! Unless I am studying prof's notes online. Or else I get distracted waaaay too easy!

I also used to love memorizing things while taking a hot bath, but after a few too many things fell in the tub I have stopped, hahah :blushing:

Lol! Agree, it's probably safer to avoid the tub

Funny how people are different, eh? If I'm in a super quiet place, like a bedroom or library, my brain runs amok.. I like a *bit* of white noise (except for kids laughing/crying - hard to ignore, for me at least). At home, I like crappy TV, or local 24 hr news. If it's any good, forget it. Right now I've got an old sitcom you probably don't remember

Internet is the devil, for sure!

karl39x

Most of my studying is done in my car, five minuets before the exam... would not recommend.

anemoneprose

Most of my studying is done in my car, five minuets before the exam... would not recommend.

Agree. That sort of thing is why I'm doing this now. (See also: writing papers after a night out but before you sleep). Don't be young me, karl

anemoneprose

I actually do much better when I am working. I work at a middle school and on school days I just stay until I can't see straight...literally. I try to put in about five hours of study after work. It is summer & I'm not working so I am looking for other options all the time just like you.Sometimes after classes go to the library on campus. How funny...I'm like you...don't like the "quiet" section on campus. I would much prefer sitting next to a table of chatters...just loud enough to be white noise. I also look for little nooks and crannies on the campus where I can still get internet.
I would like to say I am consistent but I'm not. One week I'll get in 10 hours & the next spend 30 hours pouring over a paper. Just depends on what is due.
What are you studying?
hang in there ....(:

Now that is a sensible strategy - stay out, avoid having to fight kicking up your feet. Excellent, thanks!

Yes, the quiet spaces make me want to crawl out of my skin. Somehow, they make the deadlines louder.. I like the chatters, too

Papers, man. 30 hours sounds about right I much prefer timed tests/exams - they don't give you enough time to worry over them.

I would love to observe someone who's really systematic about study, to see exactly how they manage their time. Suspect I'd go back to my deadlines-first method, but still..

I'm doing a kind of post-bac, knocking out prereqs for entry to an MA-level rehab program to be determined (have to get my volunteering in asap as well, hopefully that will clear it up, though ultimately I think it will come down to whoever lets me in)

What about you? (Wait, it's languages, isn't it?)

anemoneprose

I'm in the last two semesters of my Bachelors rotation and then on to Teaching credential and Masters program....ugh! I have a real love-hate relationship with school. I love the way it makes me feel...like I am accomplishing something with my life. But when I am in the dredges of writing a paper or cramming for a final...not so much.

I know what you mean And there are times when you're just fed up with the stress & the effects on your lifestyle (like halfway through a year, or a term, or anything).. & sometimes it feels isolating too. But, eyes on the goal, that's all we can do You're prob the same - I am not giving myself an inch for error on this. Stakes are too high.

So it's an MA/teaching certificate, combined? That's great! Probably ~2 more years after your BA? Doable, right?

daffodilsoup

When I was at a point where I was studying, I loved to take my books to the nearest coffee shop, get a big iced coffee and study at one of the outdoor tables.