In the process of eliminating distractions from my apartment for school, pointers?

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I need to get straight A's to get into nursing school.

I'm getting rid of my playstation portable, my computer, my tv, dvd player. I'm getting rid of all the extra stuff that is cluttering a portion of my wall.

I'm even researching different colors that help with concentration/memorization. Am I going overboard? lol

I'm getting a laptop, but I'm concerned this will be a possible distraction. I don't want to start playing games on it, or browsing the web, chatting, facebooking etc. Should I get a laptop??? Yes or no??? If yes, which one might be better for strictly school work?

Also any other pointers would be great on effective studying. I tend to study the best with complete quiet no distractions what so ever. I like studying in corner desks with the side panels. All you see is the desk and the book in front of you.

Thanks

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For e.g. this study area looks very good for me.

http://hooverlib.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/l-study-desk-nice.jpg

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Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho/Neuro, Hospice..

Stop over-thinking it, I sit at the kitchen table with my books and assignments, my computer is on because I often need to jump on to do some quick research, yes it can be a temptation to do a little recreational surfing (like I'm doing now) but that's where discipline comes in, I get my info then get back to my homework (in a different room).

I also require a quiet place without distractions, that's why 90% of my work is done at home, there are some private study rooms at school that I sometimes use between classes, don't forget to make some study buddies, I couldn't have made it without them.

The best I can offer is this, set study times and stick to them, turn off the TV, radio, cell phone etc. dedicate that time (I usually do an hour then take a break then another hour) just like you've got a class or work.

Forget new age mumbo-jumbo about "proper workstations and colors conducive to learning", sit yourself down and do your work, just getting started, that's the hardest part for me.

Oh ya, stop concerning yourself with being an "A" student, if you master the material the grades will follow, remember that much of Nursing is critical thinking, your answer might be correct but it may not be the most correct.

Yes, you will need a computer with internet, you will be doing research and writing papers. Any modern computer will suffice with an office suite of programs. I have a mid-level Dell and run a Linux operating system with Open Office. If you're new to computers just get something with Windows and Office, or your school should have some as well. The one you already have may be just fine.

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I think you're going a little overboard. You need time off to relax and stuff to reward yourself with. For example, you can watch your sunday night shows as long as you put in a good effort the rest of the weekend. Or, study for two hours, take a video game break for 30 minutes.

I do think a nice, distraction free workspace like the picture would be good. I'd be lost without my laptop - I use it for everything, including taking notes in class. If you think you might be distracted by computer games, maybe look into getting a very basic laptop or netbook, one that can run MS Office and do other basic stuff, but doesn't have the capability to really be used for serious gaming.

good luck!

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I agree with the previous suggestions and would like to add this one. Get a planner of some type and map out your graded assignments, tests, etc. Plan your study time. And also set up a reward system for when you get A's on tests, papers, or assignments. Reward system gives you something tangible to look forward to and can be used as a way to program in relaxation. Best wishes.

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Ok. I guess I'm just afraid I won't get in. Afraid of a lot of things.

So what do you guys usually reward yourselves with?

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ice cream.

a movie

my all time favorite that beat out all rewards hand down... sleep.

Its that rare mythical creature, i only see it occasionaly but when I do i love it with all of my heart.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Ortho/Neuro, Hospice..

So what do you guys usually reward yourselves with?

I'm not going to mention the first thing that popped into my mind (wink)

I start with patting myself on my back, then I brag to my wife, then maybe some ice cream and cake.

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Maybe practice meditating and focusing thoughts? Like MikeFromMT kind of said, don't focus on the Process but focus on the Results you want.

Here is my favorite quote of all time:

"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea."

Antoine de Saint-Exupery

You are focused on collecting wood when you should instead long for the endless immensity of the sea. With that longing the wood will just sort of happen.

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Chocolate! For an A in a course: Chocolate ice cream! 4.0 GPA for the term: Chocolate ice cream for a week!!! A wild weekend sleeping and watching TV in a hotel with room service. Anything that sounds good that you don't get every day.

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Specializes in LDRP.
Ok. I guess I'm just afraid I won't get in. Afraid of a lot of things.

So what do you guys usually reward yourselves with?

just got an A- in my peds course... bought myself a hefty bottle of white zinfandel.*wine

what? no school for 6 days?? :lol2:

but i seriously think you are going overboard with the minimalist study space approach.. its nice to have a nice, clutter free space to do your school work, but trust me, you will not survive nursing school if you make your entire life about studying for the next 2-4 years. please keep your fun things, you will need them. if i didnt watch greys anatomy and have wine/cheese/game nights with my friends every once in a while i would go absolutely mad.

i realize i mentioned wine twice in this post and now sound like an alcoholic. haha. im not, and there are plenty of other things to do for fun. remember, you will better retain things if you study in short bursts of 30-45 minutes with breaks in between. so study for a little, play some psp, study some more, go on allnurses, study again, watch a tv show. it will work out much batter than studying for 6 hours straight, because i guarantee you, you will not memorize everything you studied.

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By the way, things like a week full of junk food do not really turn out to be great rewards! (not for me, anyway. I always feel like s--- when I eat nothing but junk food).

But back on topic, I think a general feeling of peace (and orderliness) in the house contributes more to good study than having no entertainment.

That said, we're getting rid of our internet tomorrow! We got it at the beginning of the school year and didn't have it last year, but we've decided it just sucks up too much time. We have enough to keep us from seeing each other in our family without having to stare at screens all of our free time :p I'm pretty excited about getting my life back.

If you want all As, you need to stay on top of things and figure out what you need to do to get As. There's a lot more involved than just getting rid of distractions. Get a game plan. Figure out where the points out. Figure out how much you could slack off and still get As (IE, is there attendance? Could you ever miss a class or will it screw with your grade? Are quizzes weighted as heavily as exams? Etc.) Then you won't kill yourself getting there. Know what's expected of you and don't memorize the book if your teacher gives you an outline that you need to know.

PS. People are all different! I think that desk linked to looks awful for me. I'd be distracted and so bored. I wouldn't feel comfortable. But that's JUST me :)

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