Studying Process on We Heart It

Unlike many people, I really like to study. I know that sounds nerdy, but since childhood I'm in love with planners, stationery and school supplies, writing, and learning new things.
I remember, in elementary school I was so happy to go back to school after holiday and to go shopping school supplies and books. Then, in high school I've became a little bit lazy, I still loved school but I studied just subjects that I liked. But, on college, I learned how to study even subjects that aren't my favorite ones and I fell in love with whole studying process. Now I graduated and I kinda miss studying, so I wanted to share my studying process with you. I hope it helps someone.

1. Creating schedule

At the beginning of every week I create a schedule where I write down my responsibilites for that week - projects that I have to finish, exams that I have to study for and other things that I have to do.

2. Defining priorities

After I create my studying schedule, I classify subjects and projects by priorities - first place are ones that need more time or the ones which deadline is approaching.

3. Organizing studying space

Before sitting down to study I clean up my room and set up my studying space, because I feel that if you have a mess around you, you will have a mess inside your head too.

4. Studying with understanding

I don't know how to study things by rote. When I'm studying I have to understand everything that I'm reading. This means that if I see something that I don't understand I research what that is. That way even if I forget something tomorrow, I remember the little research that I've made the day before, and then I remember everything. It's like I create this puzzle in my brain and I connect it's pieces when I need it. So, my advice is - make sure that you understand everything that you are studying and you won't need to force yourself to remember things (that's what learning by rote is for me - forcing your brain).

5. Making script

When I finish memorizing things, I write them down as shortened as I can to create a script - and I call it 'my personal classbook' and 'my placebo'. Why? Because before exam when I look at it I see a big lecture that fit on only three paper sheets and I think to myself that it's too easy and I'm gonna pass the exam. Also, I make the script colorful so certain important things can catch my eye.

6. Friendly Interrogation

Give the 'placebo classbook' you've made to someone you trust (someone who is honest with you) - grandparent, parent, friend, sibling, boyfriend/ girlfriend, and pretend that they are your teacher and let them 'interrogate' you. If you pass their exam, you'll pass the real one too.

7. Relaxing

Yes, this is also a part of studying process. Brain has to relax in order to remember. Long bath, going out, playing board games - whatever takes your mind off the exam.

8. Getting enough sleep

This is clear - you don't get anything if you're sleep deprived. That's also the reason why I always write the schedule at the beginning of the week; by managing my time, I manage to get enough sleep also.