How to make studying more enjoyable

It is only the second week of classes and I have already had one quiz and have one more and two tests next week.   Talk about a weekend buzz kill.  I find myself enjoying studying int he beginning of a semester more though because I am in really organized and in the school mode still, not yet burnt out and have fun school supplies to play with.  These sentiments will soon change, as usual.  But anyways, here is how I'm planning to make studying more enjoyable and more manageable this weekend:

 1.     Organize your area- Before I start a big chunk of studying I like to set up everything I need up around me.  That means my books and folders are out.  My phone is off to the side and on silent next to tissues, chapstick and a water bottle.  My computer is charging.  All my pens, markers, highlighters are out and ready to go. Yes, I am a little OCD.

2.     Put on Pandora for some background noise- I like listening to music sometimes, like when I’m making flashcards, other times when I’m reading I like silence.  My favorite station to listen to- get this- is the Lord of the Dance station.  Happy instrumental Irish jams stimulate deep thoughts J

3.     Switch back and forth between subjects- if you are studying for two different classes like I am now, I can’t help but feel the need to get do everything at once, but it makes things less monotonous to take time working on one class for say 45 min-1 hr. then switch to the other, so on and so forth.

4.     Notecards and Notebooks- Notecards are going to be my boyfriend who never leaves my side this year.  They are great for writing out definitions and help me learn while I make them and later while going over them.  Make sure to organize them by unit or exam for your finals later.  I also love notebooks for rewriting notes I typed out in class or for drawing diagrams or charts I make up to help me remember stuff.

5.     Take a YouTube break- Don’t burn yourself out, everyone needs breaks.  My favorite break is watching old So You Think You Can Dance videos I have bookmarked. I dare you not to get pumped up watching Twitch do a hip-hop routine.

6.     Hydrate- Tea puts me to sleep so that’s out.  If its earlier, coffee all the way.  And I always need a full bottle of water next to me. 

7.     Don’t go overboard- If you are spending the morning studying, plan something fun to do or go exercise or watch a movie in the afternoon.  I’m studying Friday night so I’m going to go out Saturday.  Don’t be a crazy hermit just because you have work to do.  

Any more study tips out there?  Good school supplies I'm missing out on?

You're welcome :) Have a great weekend everyone