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Dealing with Procrastination

Motivating yourself to study can be especially hard if it's the first time that you've had no one looking over shoulder. Difficult-to-get-into assignments make it even worse, and the temptation to go out and socialise can be difficult to resist. Here are some hints to might work for you:

Choose somewhere you can feel you can work. Different people work better in different environments. Some like to be somewhere busy so they don’t feel cut off, others feel they need to be alone to concentrate. Remove whatever elements distract you from studying from your environment - that can mean knocking your computer offline. University libraries are designed to facilitate study - try them. It is also a signal to others that you are studying and not available to join them.
Try to have all the materials and resources you need before you start. You will need a copy of the question; books, articles and other appropriate resources; paper for scribbling ideas and notes; pens, highlighters and water. But don't let lack of any one thing become your excuse.
Read the question carefully, what are they really asking? The question may turn out to be less daunting than you first thought. Highlight key words and phrases. Having a good understanding of the question also means you won’t make mistakes that waste your time and effort.
Try to find an interesting angle, you will be more motivated if you find the work interesting. The marker, who probably has to read 100’s of similar submissions, will probably appreciate it too.
Break tasks down. Writing one section before dinner is less daunting than 5000 words by Friday. If you think of a brilliant point, write it in your outline immediately, but don’t get distracted.
When you just can’t be creative anymore, do something repetitive like your referencing, title page or formatting. Sometimes a good stretch and exercise in fresh air can do wonders.
If you REALLY can’t work until you have last-minute panic, at least do all your research and outlining ahead of time so that all you have to do is write it. You will have a better understanding of the question from your previous study, while still having the motivating edge of panic.

Side notes

Try to make sure you leave enough time to get someone else to proof-read your work and correct any mistakes they find.
Take regular breaks every few hours. Move around and stretch, and go talk to someone to give yourself a mental and physical break.
Many universities will have resources on study and motivation. These are worth reading, especially as they may have information on study techniques and sessions that can help you.

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