When you leave the main campus, you are leaving an environment that is conducive to learning. As expressed earlier in this text, it’s better to review information the same day while it is crisp and fresh on your mind. Like extra-crispy chicken, this information can become soggy and stale if not reviewed within twenty-four hours. Additionally, many students express that, when they arrive at their homes, they cannot study because they are very easily distracted. A soggy learning situation can occur in a room in the dorm or in a room off campus. The truth is, when students leave the university environment, they are entering into “The Land of 1001 Distractions.”

“The only school work that I get done is on campus. The rest of the time I am just not focused.”

“Being in a university dorm for the first time is like being on a cruise ship. There are so many choices and so many things you can do. Like a buffet line, I wanted to sample everything.”

“I like the campus library. It is one of the few places where I can concentrate on my academics.”

 “There is much to do here. You’ve got to get out and do things, but don’t overdo it. Your finances and grades may take a hit, and recovery is a bummer.”

“Does the grade “D” stand for “distracted?” I was distracted in the dorm the whole first year!”

 “Let me see, in my first year there were so many things that I wanted to experience. Here in my new apartment there are no parents to stop me from doing whatever. So who had time for studying? I did not study much in high school, but I found out that college is very different from high school.”

“When I get to my room, all I can think of is doing anything and everything but studying and homework. On the main campus everyone has their head in a book so that is the place to study!”

There you have it. Does this sound familiar? The good news is there are usually excellent places to study on campus. If you like it quiet, one of the best places to study is the library. If you like noise, you can immerse yourself in a crowded coffee house or a cafeteria. The other option is an empty classroom or lounge area. Just take a little time to explore and you should find an ideal spot that suits you. 

Effective Studying and Environmental Conditions

Effective studying requires that you understand the effect that environmental conditions have upon your studies.  It’s a common misconception that everyone studies best at a desk in a quiet room. Some students learn best when they have noise in the background or when they are sitting on a comfortable couch.  Some learn best when sitting outside or when studying with others. Everyone has a unique method of learning material. Additional factors that must be considered are interruptions from cell phones, e-mail, television, radio, and other similar devices.

When looking for a place to live, be sure to check out the neighborhood. It does not matter how nice a development looks or what the resident manager says. You do not want to live in a soggy neighborhood where there are illicit drugs, alcohol use and illegal activities are taking place.

Drugs and/or alcohol can ruin even the best of students. If there is a drug bust, you will be taking a ride downtown to the police station right along with your friends and acquaintances. You can be the cleanest student on the block and still get in big trouble just by the company you keep.

If you want to be successful in college, you need to check out the environment; because where you live is extremely important. If you are looking for housing off campus, don’t fall for those fancy brochures that promise you paradise. Ask around and find out the real story. Visit the neighborhood and talk to some of the senior students who live there.

NOTE: If five or more students recommend the same location, it’s probably a good sign. Or, use the Google search engine and insert the (county name) police department to find your police department’s official website.  Many police departments post crime updates or interactive crime maps, so you can see where crime is occurring. You can also call the local sheriff or police department and ask about high crime areas. Once again, you do not want to spend your semester living in a stale and soggy environment. Home should be a place that you feel safe and secure.  

So think about it carefully. Would you buy the first used car you see on the lot? You would probably want to check out other cars and other dealers. In the same way, where you are going to live is much more important because it can have a profound effect on your daily life.

Even the best student can get stuck in a stale and soggy living environment which can contribute and eventually lead to academic probation or suspension. Many times after this happens, parents call the school administration and wonder, “What went wrong?”   The truth is, if these students had been more careful about making the right choices they would probably be graduating along with the rest of their classmates. So don’t take a chance and be left behind. Get in the right neighborhood and live in a healthy environment from day one!