How to focus on study

It has been one month since LSE decided to switch to online teaching and testing. The student ambassador, Dragana Pivic, shared how she copes with the unexpected disruption to graduate education.

According to Pearson, more than 300 million students worldwide have had their education disrupted by an outbreak of coronavirus.

For many overseas students, this meant packing their things and returning home before planning for the start of this academic year.

The transition to the moment of change is a major challenge and draws us closer to God and the end result is almost always unexpected.

The most common thing I have seen talking to my peers is that our production levels are very low.

Even though we have been locked up inside our homes for about two weeks (or for me 28 days!) After arriving home with our families, there is nothing “wise” to do other than read study papers and write essays, somehow when there seems to be all the encouragement we face.

Four ways to overcome this lack of motivation

I was wondering how I (being one of the students who lacked enthusiasm, but also felt sick) could overcome the situation I was thrown into, and still succeed at the end of my studies.

Here's what I found.

1. It is OK not to produce.

Like I said, no one saw this coming and you probably feel under the weather. Take time to adjust to this new environment, and embrace it and talk to your friends and loved ones about it.

Remember that you can always share your troubles and feelings with other classmates who walk the same path as you. Some of my friends who are on the show I am on, started calling weekly Zoom calls, which in one week our program manager appeared!

2. Organize your home for study

When you get home, take the time to get used to your new home library study space. This does not mean that you should take the lead in interior design, it just means that you should tidy up your old desk and set it up.

3. Put your first responsibility first

The next step would be to prioritize your assignments with the difficulty and date. Don't think that you can easily write a 5000 word essay - set small goals for yourself as you go through the process and don't forget to bless yourself once those goals have been achieved.

4. Acknowledge your win and take breaks

Remember that it is important to accept a small victory because it will lead you to something good in the end. For example, find a Netflix show (you are lucky enough to have a lot) or a nice fairy tale to turn to when you need a break.

In my case, I often dedicate my breaks to baking - another fun activity and way to communicate is to share recipes with classmates and friends.

Focus. Focus. Focus.

This was hard - I can't lie. Now in my twenties, I was addicted to my cell phone.

Consider that level of stress when you do not hold your phone for more than an hour. But oh, the first world problems - you know that at some point you have to put it down.

Another interesting process that helps focus on homework I learned at LSE is Pomodoro. It is easily defined as a 25-minute focus period followed by a 5-minute break, repeated 4 times after which you deserve a long break.

And if you want something even more try the Forest app; really helpful and take you to my next place…

Habit

Getting into the habit at this time is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. Honestly, I don’t know a single student sitting at their desk for twelve consecutive hours.

After all, this is not healthy for you.

Instead, try devoting approximately 6-7 hours each day to study but with much needed exercise within your studies.

Knowing how to start your daily routine has a huge impact on your motivation.

Bonus tip - try not to look at your phone for at least an hour after waking up - hard, but at least give it a chance 🙂

Knowing how to start your daily routine has a huge impact on your motivation.

It always helps to think about what got you to LSE - your hard work and determination! Try to understand what drives you and imagine how you will feel when all your last moments are over - and if you want to be more optimistic, imagine lying at sea with all your homework done successfully.