• Front-row seat: choose a seat at the front of the classroom, so you will have fewer distractions.
• Make a Mind Map: make a Mind Map on paper or on your laptop using software (free options are available).
• New terms: every time you hear a new term, write it down straight away, look up its meaning and repeat it. Ask your lecturer or classmates what it means if you are not sure.
• Time management: try to study according to the Pomodoro technique, where the first thing you do is list the activities that need to happen and the tasks each activity involves. You then work for 25 minutes before taking a 5-minute break, etc.

Various programs are installed on your computer. These might be a distraction to you. Keep your attention on a single subject. Avoid opening too many programs, close your email inboxes and only visit relevant websites. Be sure to also use a font, text size, colours and lay-out that you find pleasant to work with. For example, use a ‘basic’ text editor to help you avoid distractions. Using focus marking on your computer – which moves through the text at a certain speed – may help you as well (you can also use a ruler for this). Ensure your workstation is tidy at all times in order to minimise distraction. It is also a good idea to take frequent breaks, move about, change position and do relaxation exercises.

Tell your project or other group that you have difficulty concentrating, so that they can take this into account. If you need to work together, ask if the tasks can be split up so that you can take your part to a separate, quiet room and work on it there. Make solid agreements with your group and record those agreements in writing.

It can be difficult to concentrate in a crowded lecture hall. Students are moving around and talking to one another. To prevent distractions, it can help to choose a seat at the front of the classroom. Tell your lecturer you have trouble concentrating so they can support you in this area.

It is a good idea to create folders on your computer. Applying the following structure is a good idea as well (examples are given in parentheses):

• Academic year (2020-2021)
  • Semester (Semester 1)
    • Course you are taking (Introductory course A)
      • Week of class (Week 1)

In these folders, you can immediately file the information you are given in an organised way. You can also scan any ‘non-digital information’ and save it in the folders. That way, you will have everything grouped together and stored in a nice, organised manner.

You can use Mind Mapping software – some options are available for free – to help you study or create a summary. This is a tool that can help you prioritise your information.

Tell your internship supervisor that you have difficulty concentrating. That way, the two of you can discuss what you need and what might be a suitable workstation for you. You should also set out a schedule for what you will do. That way, you know which tasks you need to do first and which ones can wait until later. If you could use some help, feel free to ask for it.

Ask your lecturer if you can take your test or exam in a separate room, so that you can optimally concentrate. You can also ask for extra time if you think you will need it. Ask your lecturer whether it would be possible to space out your tests/exams over a longer period of time. That way, you will be able to focus on one thing at a time.

If you have difficulty making a schedule for your study activities, you can ask your study adviser or study counsellor for guidance and/or support. You might benefit from using tools like a digital study planner.

Identify the best study space for you to study without being distracted. An example of this might be an individual, low-stimulus study area where you can sit facing the wall. Place only the items you need in front of you on the table or desk. Anything else is a distraction. This is called a 'clean-desk policy’. If you are easily distracted by sounds, put on headphones. Tips for setting up your work area can be found at www.deoptimalewerkplek.nl.

Maybe you like studying with another person, for instance a study buddy. Use reminders – such as setting a notification on your phone – to tell you it is time to study. Ask people to help keep you on track or pick fixed times for learning. Try to complete at least one task every time. You can also download software that reminds you to take breaks. This software indicates the best time to take a break, so you will feel refreshed afterwards when you resume studying. A kitchen timer works for this purpose as well. Make sure you organise your lesson material by writing down brief notes, charts and questions for yourself and by distinguishing between primary and secondary issues.

Study actively. You can do this by marking or highlighting important information, summarising your texts, reading aloud, moving while you read or listening to the lesson material while running or biking. Be sure to alternate reading and writing tasks. Try to form a habit of going over your notes one more time every evening. You may find a training course in study skills helpful, too.

Another crucial point is not to give in to digital distractions! No TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, smartphone, email, pop-ups or anything else when you are studying.