1. Noise, people talking, music, TV.  Having a quiet place to study is at the top of the list. If you attention is divided or constantly interrupted, your mind will not be able to think effectively. Studying is thinking. Without these external interrupters, you can learn more and finish faster with improved concentration.  Choose a quiet spot for study.  If possible, choose the same place every day. Less distraction results in better concentration and improved learning.

2. Daydreaming. If your thoughts continually wander, stop and analyze yourself to determine the cause of the distraction. Whenever you find yourself daydreaming, make a mark on a piece of paper.  Then work to reduce the marks per hour or per evening. Another suggestion: give yourself a few minutes to daydream every hour so that you can concentrate the rest of the time. Don’t let extensive daydreaming become a habit just to avoid the work of studying.  Dig in and you’ll soon involve those brain cells. Just quickly guide your attention back to studying when you begin to daydream.

3. Being hungry and tired. If you are hungry or tired, how about eating a little food or taking a short nap? Being alert when you study is important so that you become involved.  Otherwise studying is just an obedience exercise. You can think and learn.  Don’t let hunger or fatigue be stumbling blocks for you.

4. Personal problems. Not thinking about personal problems is difficult. Everyone has problems of one kind or another.  Even if there is no immediate solution, having the support of others feels good. Talking privately to the University’s counselor, who has a lot of experience with the types of problems that college students have, may help you in coping with or solving your problem. Even deciding that you will talk to someone may help you postpone thinking about a problem until you have finished studying.