Clean off your desk. Leave only your computer, if you have one, your books and school supplies on or near the desk. If you are a messy person, vow to at least keep your desk clean, if nothing else.
Identify other places to study. For instance, a cafe, the library of your college, or a picnic table outside. Choose places to work where you will not be distracted easily. If you work well with others, start looking for study buddies from the beginning of your first semester.
Turn the television off when studying. If you need background noise, listen to music. Visual distractions take your attention away from your work, which means your work will take longer to finish.
Use a timer or stopwatch to motivate yourself. When distracted, time yourself for small spurts of intense focused work; maybe 20 minutes. Small goals are sometimes easier to achieve than huge ones, but they add up!
Fill in your class times, work times and any other commitments into your daily planner.
Look for free blocks of time two or three days in advance of your classes, and commit to using these times every week for homework and studying. This will allow for more intensive work during those times, and less work overall throughout the week.
During study periods, take a 15- to 20-minute break every two hours. Make some tea; move your body; separate yourself from your work for this time.
Move to a new study spot if you are feeling stuck or unproductive. Sometimes a change of scenery can help you focus.
Exercise or move your body at least three times per week, for 30 minutes to an hour. Hiking, running, yoga and dance are some good examples of exercises to choose. Write your workout times in your planner, and commit to them.
Eat as much fresh food as possible. If your college has fast-food options for students, avoid them and go for healthful nutrient-rich foods.
Eat small meals throughout the day, instead of waiting until you are starving and stuffing yourself. This will regulate your blood sugar and help you stay at a healthy weight, as well as keeping you alert and satisfied.
Keep fruit, energy bars and trail mix in your dorm room. Expending mental energy is no joke; you will need healthy snacks.
Do something fun with friends every week! Go to a movie, a party or the beach, and forget your studies.
Avoid excessive drinking of alcohol or use of any illegal drugs.
Stop smoking cigarettes if you do, and don't start smoking if you already don't. Exercise is a better stress reliever.
Avoid becoming addicted to caffeine and energy drinks. Most of them just give you a sugar rush and crash, which puts you in danger of a weakened immune system and of chronic fatigue. Get your energy from food.
Imagine that you will be completely successful in your college career. Know that you have what it takes. If you find yourself thinking limiting or negative thoughts, just brush them aside.
Sleep at least seven hours per night. This may seem impossible, but it will help you be more productive when you are awake, and keep you from getting sick. If you skip some sleep, take a nap to make up for it.