By: Jiayi Zhu and Lindsay Luberecki
The year is drawing to a close, and things are tough. We’ve made it through mocks, but with AP exams on the horizon, there is more work to be done. Right now, making it to summer without losing your mind might seem like an impossible task, but PVTorch.com wants to help.
If you’re finding yourself unsure of how to study without going crazy, looking for some new cafe recommendations, or just needing some tips to get yourself started, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for some advice, and hopefully your studying experience this May will be a little more enjoyable.
Study spots:
Clever Cup:
If you’re looking to support a cozy local coffee shop, Clever Cup is a great option. With a wide variety of seating and art pieces adorning the walls, Clever Cup provides a great environment to relax and focus on work. Drinks such as the chagaccino and honey latte are bound to keep you awake, while the hot chocolate and vast array of brewed teas (including matcha and chai) provide less caffeinated options. Additionally, the seasonal drinks are always worth a try alongside a quick bite or baked good to keep you fueled. The Clever Cup Coffee Shop is open everyday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., located at 6530 Gateway Ave.
Project Coffee:
With three locations around Sarasota, Project Coffee is a minimalistic and futuristic option for any coffee connoisseur, especially oat milk lovers (it’s the standard milk in all their drinks). Each of their locations has its own unique vibe, but all offer a simplistic industrial aesthetic combined with bright natural light and vibrant plants. The beverage options are plentiful: grab a classic hot or iced latte, try their SuperMatcha, or order a house-made juice shot. Also, Project Coffee offers both pastries and larger meals, including avocado toast and breakfast sandwiches/wraps. Project Coffee’s three locations are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, and are located at 538 S. Pineapple Ave (Burns Court), 1419 5th St (the Rosemary District), and 5055 Ocean Blvd (Siesta Key).
The Library:
Have you spent a little bit too much money on coffee this week? Consider trying out your local library. The library provides just the right environment of quiet and focus. You can even reserve a private study room to work in with friends! The well-maintained Gulf Gate Library is perfect to make use of the available tables and study for your next exam. On the other hand, the Fruitville Library allows for quiet studying inside while its outdoor garden area offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature during your brain break.
General study tips:
- Designate a study spot. No matter how tempting, avoid working in usual places of rest, like your bedroom. From experience, working on your bed will only result in falling asleep and waking up in a panicked stupor. Distinguishing environments at home from work and relaxation will allow you to focus better in the long-term.
- Make your study area your own. Light a candle, make some tea, and get comfortable. Making the most out of a stressful situation is the best you can do to retain motivation. If you’re the kind of person who focuses well with music, find a playlist that works for you (I recommend The Torch Study Playlist). https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5fxHsndtYuZpLhW7GMhaXC?si=2z7kqWpJTC2okd2h6a2EpQ&pt=d0ba412aa9ca6684ede023f507c9283d&pi=u-EDfLC6DyTru6
- Try out study techniques, like the Pomodoro Method. The Pomodoro Method involves 25-minute sessions with 5-minute breaks in between. After four consecutive study sessions, a longer break ensues. You can easily find a Pomodoro Timer with a quick search online. And if this time frame doesn’t work for you, make your own! Experiment with finding the perfect study time technique that keeps you productive.
- Take breaks. It may seem like a good idea at the time to power through as much as you can without stopping, but this can actually make you less productive (and unhappier). If you’re in the groove, don’t cut yourself off, but if you notice yourself start to become distracted, it’s okay to pause for a short break. Go get a glass of water, have a little snack, take a short walk outside — give yourself grace to recharge.
- Study by yourself and with friends. Don’t feel like you have to do everything by yourself at home. Reach out to friends and plan a day to meet up at a coffee shop (like the amazing ones above) or even to just all work at someone’s house. Finding the balance between studying alone and working with friends can keep you both productive and happy — alone time allows for intense review sessions without distraction, and peer collaboration lets you learn from other people (and let’s face it, have more fun).
All in all, we hope this guide helps get you started for your exam cram sessions. Taking a bit of time to cultivate your best study atmosphere and make it a bit more enjoyable can go a long way when it comes to both contentment and results. Happy studying!