Nothing quite beats a PhD program for teaching you how to study practically anywhere, but the truth is that studying is a highly personal experience. The same spots and conditions simply don’t work for everyone, so while one person might be able to crack an academic text in three hours over a Manhattan, others might find a place like a bar too distracting. It really depends on you. But our tips for studying at a bar might help you out.
Tips for Studying at a Bar
With that being said, if taking your study materials to your favorite Southern California beverage company sounds appealing to you, here are a few expert tips on how to get the most out of your session.
Always Wear Headphones
Even if you don’t plan on listening to music, you should wear headphones. This is particularly important for female patrons whose right to sit alone and unbothered isn’t always respected. Having your headphones in sends a pretty clear message that you’re not interested in talking to anyone, so it’s a helpful tool to keep in mind.
Have a Back-Up Location
If your favorite establishment gets a little too rowdy for your taste, then have a second location in mind. Ending a study session prematurely to go home and try again in a less stimulating environment can really interfere with your general efficacy.
Bring Non-Electronic Materials As Well
There’s never a guarantee that you will be one of those lucky folks seated close to an outlet. You can always work on your laptop until the battery dies, but make sure you have a book and some blank paper at the ready to do additional work.
Eat First
The worst thing you can possibly do is go to a bar without eating. If they serve food, you can always order food there. But do not order a drink until at least thirty minutes after. In the middle of exams, students tend to skip sleep and meals. This can make it really easy for a single drink to severely impact your ability to study.
Don’t Do Group Sessions at Bars
Going out with your fellow students for a study session sounds like a phenomenal idea. But you will not get any work done. As stated above, bar studying isn’t for everyone, and there’s a good chance that someone in your group will find it too distracting.
Set a Drink per Hour Limit
This is especially important for summer when you’re more likely to drink faster, but you have to set a drink limit for yourself. Between each drink, consume 1-2 glasses of water. If you want your studying to go well, then you need to stay sober and hydrated.
Bring Extra Pens
As great as computers are, writing out your notes, arguments, and theories can help to further cement the information in your brain. The last thing you want to do is run out of ink mid-sentence. You should always carry two or three extra pens just in case.
Go Early
Very few people can work in a bar that’s in full swing. You’ll likely get your best work done between 3 PM and 9 PM. At that point, you’re likely to see a more noisy and boisterous crowd. So you may want to make your way home.
Find a Nice, Cozy Corner
As nice as it may sound, you don’t want to sit at the bar. There will be too much activity around you at all times. And a much higher chance that your notes will end up smelling like someone else’s drink. Instead, try to find a quiet corner. There you can observe other people when you need a break before going back to your solitary study session.
Always Choose Sipping Drinks
Your local bar’s beer systems are going to look tempting on a hot day, but you may want to think twice about beer or wine if you’re doing a study session at a bar. Unless you’re used to enjoying these drinks over a longer period of time, consider a mixed drink that you’re more likely to drink slowly. This will give you the time to monitor your mental state and rehydrate.
