Studying with friends is one of the best parts of college. It makes long study sessions feel way more fun, keeps you feeling less lonely, and gives you the chance to learn from each other.
Sadly, the truth is not every group study session is actually productive.
Group studying tends to go one of two ways:
- You leave feeling confident and ready for the exam.
Orrrrr
- You realize you spent two hours talking, grabbing snacks, and only studied for about 30 minutes.
Normally it’s not about who you’re studying with, and more about how you’re choosing to study.
When group studying works
Studying with friends can be really helpful when everyone comes prepared and has a plan.
It works when you’ve all looked over the material beforehand and are meeting to quiz each other, or someone can explain a concept in a way that finally makes it click. Talking through the material can really help you remember it better.
Group study is great for:
- Reviewing material
- Quizzing each other
- Asking questions
- Staying accountable
- Learning from different perspectives
If you’re actively discussing the material and challenging each other, you’re probably getting a lot out of the session.
When it’s better to study alone
Some things are just easier to do by yourself.
If you’re writing a paper, reading a difficult chapter, or learning brand-new material, you may need uninterrupted time to focus. Even with the best intentions, studying with friends can turn into conversations that have nothing to do with class.
If you struggle with staying focused, getting organized, or getting started, group study can also feel productive without much actually getting done.
Before you meet up
Ask yourself a few quick questions:
- What’s my goal for this study session?
- Am I meeting to study, or am I putting off studying on my own?
- Would talking through the material help, or do I need quiet time to concentrate?
If you’re not sure, it might help to spend some time studying on your own first. Then meet up with friends to catch up, review, ask questions, or quiz each other.
Make it count
You don’t have to choose between being productive and studying with friends, you absolutely can, and should do both.
A little structure goes a long way. Decide what you want to accomplish before you meet, set a time limit, and save catching up for breaks or after you’ve finished your work.
That way, you get the best of both worlds: productive studying and time with friends.