How to Study

Where Should You Study?
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At the library. There may be numerous choices, from the
large reading room to quieter, sometimes deserted, specialty
rooms to your own study cubicle. My favorite “home away
from home” at Princeton was a little room that seemingly only
four or five of us knew about—with wonderfully comfortable
chairs, subdued lighting, phonographs with earplugs, and a
selection of some 500 classical records. For someone who
needed music to study, it was custom made! 
How to Study
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At home. Remember that this is the place where distractions
are most likely to occur. No one tends to telephone you at the
library and little brothers (or your own kids) will not find you
easily among the stacks of books. While home is usually the
most convenient place to make your study headquarters, it
may not be the most effective. 
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At a friend’s, neighbor’s, or relative’s house. This may
not be an option for most of you, even on an occasional basis,
but you may want to set up one or two alternative study sites.
Despite many experts’ opinions that you must study in the
same place every night (with which I don’t agree), I had a
friend who simply craved some variety to help motivate him.
He had four different places he liked to study and rotated
them from night to night. Do whatever works for you. 
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In an empty classroom. Certainly an option at many colleges
and perhaps some private high schools, it is an interesting idea
mainly because so few students have ever thought of it! While
not a likely option at a public high school, it never hurts to ask
if you can’t make some arrangements. Since many athletic
teams practice until 6 p.m. or later, even on the high school
level, there may be a part of the school open—and usable with
permission— even if the rest is locked up tight. 
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At your job. Whether you’re a student working part-time 
or a full-time worker going to school part-time, you may well
be able to make arrangements to use an empty office, even
during regular office hours, or perhaps after everyone has left
(depending on how much your boss trusts you). If you’re in
middle or high school and a parent, friend, or relative works
nearby, you may be able to work from just after school ends
until closing time at his or her workplace. 
Whatever place you choose for your study area, make it somewhere
that is only for study. Which leaves out your bed, in front of the TV,
and the dining room table, among other bad choices.
Chapter 2
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How to Organize Your Studying
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Just as you (hopefully) sit right down and go to work when you enter
a classroom (presuming the teacher is in the room!), your attitude and
attention will be automatic if you associate your study area solely with
homework, not sleeping, eating, or entertaining yourself. And that
will make the time you spend more effective and efficient.