COVID-19 has basically turned the entire world upside down. Many schools have switched to mostly online classes and distance learning, so studying during quarantine looks totally different than it used to.
Although we can attend class from our beds, we still shouldn’t be relaxing too much on our grades. So, here is what I did to keep myself sane and my grades on point during COVID.
1. Act Like You’re Going to Class
Acting like I was still going to class really helped me stay productive. I woke up early, got dressed, put on makeup, and sat at my desk like I wasn’t stuck at home all day. Just wearing “real clothes” (AKA not pajamas) made me feel like I had actual work to do, so I was more productive by default. This also gave me a sense of normalcy, which was a bonus for my mental health.
I also recommend having set places to work and to relax. If your space allows for it, find a place that is only used for studying or schoolwork. This will basically condition you to be in “work-mode” every time you’re there. At the very least, try not to work in your bed because your brain starts to associate it with work, and it’ll be harder to fall asleep.
2. Give Yourself Some Structure
Without a set class schedule, every day can feel like a weekend, so it’s really easy to fall behind in classwork. At the very least, schedule times that you’ll dedicate to work every day. This way you won’t just be lounging around until the night before an assignment’s due. Plus, it’ll be easier to focus when you are always working at a certain time.
For steps on how to make a detailed hourly study schedule, check out my post on How to Master Time Management in College. This scheduling technique is what I used to plan studying during quarantine and it was more helpful than ever.
Also, attend live-lectures, even if they are being recorded. This creates the feeling of actually being in class, which will keep you from falling behind in the course content. I recommend having your camera on for these. The “the professor can see me” feeling will help to prevent you from goofing off or being on your phone the whole time.
3. Study Like Tests Are Closed-Note
Because exams are online, many professors made their exams open-note because it would be too hard to monitor cheating. This sounds like a gift from heaven, but if you have to look up every question on the exam, there’s no way that you’ll have enough time to finish.
The easiest thing to do is to study like the exam is closed-note. If you genuinely know the material, you can spend time looking up a few facts here and there without slowing yourself down too much.
If you want a detailed technique to study for science classes, I have an entire post about it! Check that out here.
I also recommend making a summary sheet of the things you don’t want to memorize. For example, I would always write down equations or really specific information (like the size of a particular bacteria) all on one sheet. Then, if I needed it during the exam, I wouldn’t have to waste time digging through my notes.
4. Talk to friends
Studying during quarantine can be draining, so it’s helpful to spend time with friends. I’m really serious about social distancing, so I’m not about to go out with my friends in real life. Instead, my friends and I have FaceTime study sessions, eat lunch together on Houseparty, and celebrate birthdays on Zoom!
Make the effort to keep up with your friends in any way that you’d like! (As long as it’s safe. Don’t be that person putting themselves and others at risk.)
Well, friends, that’s it for now. Stay safe. Stay healthy.
