If you’re anything like me, you go to the library with the best intentions then inevitably get distracted and wind up finishing none of the tasks you set out to do. Here’s a handy guide to how to get more done when you go to the library!
Planning your study session
Know what you’re doing ahead of time. Not only does this mean you can plan out your time to keep you on task, but you can also pare down which books and notes you need to bring.
Try and choose subjects that you need to be in the library for. For instance, if you need books to write an essay, read them in the library so you don’t have to drag them home. It’s better for your back, and more motivating when your time is limited!
Make a plan! Whether it’s just a to-do list or chunking your work into ten minute blocks, have goals to accomplish and keep yourself on task.
Don’t expect to be fully focused the whole time you’re there. No one can concentrate for 4 hours straight, so work some breaks into your plan and cut yourself some slack.
What to bring
A water bottle. You’re better off staying hydrated with water than sugary drinks from the vending machine, and bringing your own bottle is the best way to do that because you can keep it right at your desk.
Your chargers! Nothing cuts a study session short like your computer dying, so be prepared and make sure you’ve got your laptop/phone/tablet charger on hand.
A jacket. At least at my university, the library is almost always freezing. Even if yours isn’t, bring a jacket to keep you warm because sitting still for ages is a surefire way to cool you down!
Healthy snacks. Bringing your own food means you won’t be spending money, and you have a reason to stay at your desk and away from the vending machine. It also means no noisy crisp packets! Here’s a guide to library-friendly quiet snacks.
Headphones. Sometimes, even the library can be a bit noisy. Whether you’d prefer silence or some light music, having headphones can help you out.
Study essentials. Don’t depend on the library having copies of your required textbook, so bring your own from home, alongside essentials like pens & paper!
Making the most of the library
Don’t sit on the ground floor. It’s the loudest and busiest, and the place where you’re most likely to run into friends or get distracted, so avoid it off the bat. Similarly, stay away from high traffic areas like the loos, printers, and cafe.
Use the resources available! The library offers so much more than books: research databases, primary sources, librarians, and even audio resources if you’re a languages student like me. Make the most of all that’s on offer!
Get there early. Especially in exam season, the library fills up pretty fast and that can prevent you from sitting where you would usually. If you want a prime spot, your best bet is to get there when the library opens.
Try booking a study room. They can be great for working on group projects or if you want to snag a one person room and work with even fewer distractions.
Remember that the library doesn’t guarantee productivity. You still need to be prepared and focused, regardless of the location! Try and ditch the rest of the day’s worries at the door and just concentrate on work.
My self care box didn’t arrive, a little disappointing but hopefully tomorrow. Still, I’ve had a relaxing day taking a bubble bath, doing a facemask, watching suits + ordering takeaway Vietnamese food. I’m now doing some pre-reading and highlighting ☁️
GET EXCITED. Find some books that you really want to read and make a list of them to motivate yourself. Remind yourself why you like to read. Dredge up that childhood excitement and love.
MAKE IT A PRIORITY. Reading is not a difficult task. It’s just that most of us fail to make it a priority when we factor in the rest of our responsibilities.
ALWAYS CARRY A BOOK WITH YOU. You’re more likely to read if you have a book within reach, for practical reasons and because it’ll remind you of your reading. Bring a novel with you to school or a cafe just in case you find a few minutes to read.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE LITTLE SLOTS OF TIME. If you take public transportation, read on the bus. Read in the five minutes before class starts. If there is a time slot when you’d usually be browsing your social media to pass the time, read instead. I promise it’ll make you feel a lot better about yourself.
MAKE IT A HABIT. If you’ve decided that you’re going to read on the bus every day, read on the bus every day. Block out a time that is dedicated to reading and make it a habit.
GET OUT OF READING SLUMPS by reading short books, pageturners, or graphic novels to build momentum.
TRACK YOUR PROGRESS. Get a goodreads, make a spread in your bullet journal, keep a spreadsheet, or keep a piece of paper to track what books you’ve read and whether you liked them. It’s satisfying to look back on your year and see how many books you’ve read. You can even keep track of how long you’ve read in a day, or how many pages you’ve read in a day.
INVOLVE OTHER PEOPLE. Buddy read with someone (be it your mom or an internet friend). Watch booktube videos. Join a reading group on Goodreads. Friend me on Goodreads! Involve other people so reading becomes integrated into other aspects of your life.
