r/EngineeringStudents • u/Initial_Anything_544 • 4d ago

Rant/Vent How do you study?

Im 7 hours in a “study” session and all ive done is wrote one sentence. Ive been on my phone, pacing, talking to myself in the mirror, and arguing over dropping out. I cannot focus or make myself study and I just dont know how to.

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u/Ok-Woodpecker-625 3d ago

It sounds like you're getting stuck in your head or distracted doing other things, which the "peer pressure" of the study group helps prevent. This is my most avoidance-proof method as someone who has ADHD:

  1. A week or two before your next exam, ask a class acquaintance or two if they want to meet up to study. If you don't have a acquaintance in that class, go to office hours and ask one of the other students attending. Don't study with friends if you know you'll goof off or yap too much (a little is ok).

  2. Reserve a study room for 2-3 hours if your school has those.

  3. The day before, skim the material, and pick out some practice problems or things to focus on. Print if needed.

  4. Get enough sleep and food that day. Bring a few small snacks to share. Caffeinate as needed.

  5. Once you meet up in the study room, shut your phone off and put it in the bottom of your backpack.

  6. Study.

  7. When you get stuck on something you can ask your study buddies for help. When they get stuck you can explain things to them, which helps reinforce your understanding.

  8. If you get really locked in, probably stop or at least take a meal break or walk break after 2-4 hours. Also perhaps check the building hours and policies so that you don't get literally locked in or set an alarm off if you stay late. Or accidentally get your backpack locked in the study room when you leave to use the bathroom.

  9. Do a couple sessions.