Tips to stay motivated at university: At the beginning of the semester, students are usually motivated to study hard and do well in their classes. However, losing that motivation at various points throughout the year is expected.
Luckily, there are many ways to stay motivated at university. Here are some helpful tips: 1. Set goals and reward yourself.
Set a schedule
Setting a schedule is a great way to get back on track with your studies. Whether you write it in a planner or on your phone, make sure you have a study schedule that includes all of your events and assignments and your personal time. Then stick to it!
When you’re struggling with studying, it can help to remind yourself of why you took up your course in the first place. Remember that once you finish your degree, you can apply the skills you learn in your chosen career field!
Another tip is to find a suitable study space. Some people find that a quiet and peaceful library works best, while others prefer to surround themselves with others while working. Experiment with different areas to find the right one for you. A change of environment may be exactly what you need to refocus your attention and stay motivated at university.
Eliminate distractions
Distractions are the enemy of successful study and can derail your efforts. Eliminating as many external distractions as possible will help you stay focused. It could be as simple as wearing noise-canceling headphones, shutting off your Facebook page, and putting your phone in ‘do not disturb’ mode. It may also be necessary to seek out a quieter study area free of electronic distractions, such as the library or your college campus after hours.
You can also eliminate internal distractions by writing down competing thoughts and distracting ideas on a piece of paper, folding it up, and putting it away for later. This will help you regain focus when these distracting thoughts come back up.
Lastly, it’s essential to give yourself regular breaks. Studies have shown that studying for two hours without a break is less effective than taking a short break every two hours. This will help keep you fresh and engaged when diving back into that Math problem set or literature essay.
Remember why you’re studying
When studying, it can be easy to forget the big picture. Whether it’s earning that degree or making a better life for yourself and your family, remembering the long-term goals of your education can help motivate you to push through the stricter study periods.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to an instructor or academic advisor or find some writer help. They can offer guidance on goal setting and career aspirations, and they may even be able to point you in the direction of a course that is best for your particular skill set.
College can be very competitive, and comparing yourself to other students can be easy. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who are passionate about their studies can inspire you to work harder and stay motivated at university. However, don’t let your comparisons discourage you – focus on your progress and celebrate your successes. For example, if you pass that math test, you study for hours and reward yourself with a dinner date with friends or an Amazon gift card.
Take a break
As you work toward a degree, it can be easy to forget why you started your journey. But reminding yourself of the bigger picture can help you refocus and stay motivated at university.
If you are distracted, stepping away for a break may be the answer. Try to schedule your breaks – even if it’s just for 10 minutes – to ensure that you’re taking them and recharging. Set the alarm on your phone or coordinate with a friend to ensure you stick to the plan.
Rewarding yourself for reaching your study goals is another way to motivate you. Whether it’s a new playlist, a coffee date, or a treat, celebrating your small wins can make you feel good about yourself and inspire you to continue your studies. Polatcheck recommends documenting these mini-wins so that you can refer back to them during self-doubt.
Also Read: Unlocking Your Full Potential: 8 Unique Tips to Improve your Productivity
