If you’re like me, you’re much more apt to study if you’re given some cute notebooks and fun colored pens. Give me a few sheets of loose-leaf and a yellow pencil and I will probably just stare at them for a while and then say “screw it,” pack up my books, and head home to do things that are more fun than studying.

Your school’s library is probably the ultimate in boring. On the one hand, this makes for few distractions, which could help you study better. Or it’s possible that this horrible under-stimulation could cause you to just fall asleep. Which is probably not a good thing when it comes to getting those chemistry problem sets done. Let’s see if we can amp up your study experience, shall we?

Tips for creating the ultimate study space at the library:

1) Pick the perfect room to study in. Chances are your school’s library has lots of choices for where you can set down your books and study. Some of the rooms will be more crowded and some might be empty. Do you study better when completely alone? You might even be able to reserve a private room for yourself. If you know you’ll just end up falling asleep if you’re sitting by yourself, try to sit in a room with other people (trust me, it’s embarrassing to start drooling on the table when someone’s sitting right next to you). Don’t sit in a computer lab if you know you’ll be distracted by the Internet.

2) Pick up a coffee or a snack before you head to the library. It’s possible your school’s library doesn’t allow food and drinks, but if they do (or just don’t check), grab something before you go. Having a large latte to sip on or a nice warm Starbucks cookie can make all the difference when you’re stuck behind your history book. Read More »

Dorm life is a double-edged sword. Getting along with your roommate is amazing…letting her get away with a filthy mess isn’t. When your room is messy, your life is messy.

I remember freshman year when I was stressed beyond all belief, had 2 midterms a day for 3 days, and basically stopped sleeping. By the end of day 2 my bed turned into a dumping ground for everything from clothes to empty food containers to looseleaf papers and textbooks. With nowhere to even entertain the idea of sleep, I very nearly had a mental breakdown.

So, while you may think it’s totally worth it to let the mess grow until it’s time to go home for Thanksgiving, these quick and easy organizing tips will keep you sane enough to get through midterms, finals and (most importantly) those Friday night impromptu pre-game sessions!

Step One: Get a (big) garbage can and USE it!

I don’t think you’re stupid but I am going to assume you’re lazy. So, this is why I say you must get a big garbage can and throw away everything you don’t need. Old notes, papers that are cluttering your desk, old chinese food containers. Get it out of the room!

You live in a virtual shoebox, right? It’s time to accept the fact that you only have room for the essentials: a bed, desk, that handle of Georgi that you’re hiding from the RA in the back of the closet. That’s it. Then? Take the trash out (regularly)!

Feel better yet? Read More »