6 Actual Study Strategies for the Average Student

As midterm season gets underway, students are once again searching for that perfect study strategy. You might be wondering, how can I most efficiently learn (read: cram) all of the required material without becoming a Lamonster or Widener Worm?

Fear not, dear reader, we at Flyby have you covered. Although psychologists may think that they have scientifically proven study strategies, we’ve compiled a list of our own time-tested strategies that are sure to keep you right in the middle of the pack.

1. As every student has heard over and over again, a good night’s sleep can help more than a couple extra hours of studying. Ever heard of diminishing returns, Ec 10 takers? Falling asleep during the exam after an all-nighter is clearly counter-productive.

Who are we kidding? You’re probably reading this at 3 a.m. under the weight of approaching deadlines and 32 ounces of coffee.

If you’re not opposed to physical labor, it’s time to construct a standing work station. Pick up your chair and place it on your desk. Stand up and use the seat of your now elevated chair as your new workstation. Lamonster? More like La-Trend Setter!! If you fall asleep standing up, well, you’re dead on your feet.

2. Lots of facts to learn and not much time? Grab some classmates and form a study group! Just like the American Army in WWII, divide and conquer is the way to go. Divvy up the reading, make some flashcards and go over everything as a group. Seeing friends and getting work done, now that’s two adorable baby squirrels with one stone.

Sure, studying on your own might be more efficient than surrendering to the group’s rambling conversation. But remember, the reason you’re here is for the unplanned stimulating dialogue with a diverse array of friends—if you end up arguing about froyo culture in different American cities at 1 a.m., then you’re making use of every cent of tuition!

3. Never forget to give yourself a break. Put the pen down, and take a little bit of time for yourself. Throw on some Jack Johnson, let the music rain down on you and wash the stress away. Google inspirational quotes, Facebook stalk a high school ex, whatever gives you a little confidence boost.

Or if that’s not your style, may we suggest an alcohol-fueled rager accompanied by Yeezus or perhaps a leisurely jog along the Charles?

4. Mix it up—actual research has shown that studying different material in one sitting, or studying the same material in different places enhances recall. Having trouble with the CS50 pset? Supplement your learning with some Candy Crush!

Starting to lose focus and feel like everyone else in the library is working a lot harder than you? Then find a new location! We’ve compiled a list of a few under-the-radar study spots:

- Music practice rooms in your dorm basement—sound-proofing for zero distractions
- One of Harvard Square’s thousands of cafes—Clover, Au Bon Pain, Starbucks, etc.
- The T-stop steps—need a little white noise in the background? Want a bored tour guide to quiz you?
- Felipe’s—Has it ever failed? It’s basically the Harvard Square Room of Requirement.

5. Avoid the kryptonite of all Lamonsters: the comfy chairs. “I’m just going to knock out my reading in a comfortable environment,” you say. No. A thousand times no.

6. And when in doubt, cite your sources.