Students share thoughts on study habits and procrastination

Whether students prefer to grind away at Bird Library the day their work is assigned or they cram last-minute in their room at 2 a.m. because they “work better under pressure,” every Syracuse student has their own approach to studying. 

Despite the variety of study methods and environments, a recent Orange Pulse survey shows a few standout trends, including students preferring to study alone rather than with a group, and many students admitting to putting off assignments until the last minute.

Finding a place to get work done

With finals approaching, it’s no surprise that Bird Library floors are filling up and resources are being added to the library’s catalog. During past semesters, Bird Library has added amenities to help students deal with the stress of final exams. Things such as positivity bags and mind wellness activities gave students a mental break before their final tests of the semester. 

Many survey respondents also find solace in their own dorms or housing, as it provides a consistent place to study and a familiar place to rest. Having access to personal materials and the flexibility to take breaks in a private setting allows some students to stay grounded in their studies.

Other students seek out alternative spots around campus, such as empty classrooms, cafes such as Food.com or the Schine Student Center. Factors like lighting, noise levels, seating and proximity to food or coffee all play a role in choosing a productive study environment.

Creating a space that supports focus makes a big difference in study outcomes. However, even with the perfect environment, staying on task can still be a challenge, especially when distractions like social media are just a tap away.

The battle against procrastination

Although Syracuse students have a wide variety of study spots, 87% of survey respondents claim to be procrastinators. The biggest reason why is no surprise – social media. 

The usage of apps such as Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) is a key factor in why students may get off track while trying to complete their assignments. With personalized feeds, students are fed content that often leads to mindless scrolling. The notifications of new posts make it difficult to resist the temptation to check the latest updates, resulting in students spending more time on their phones than planned.

A previous Orange Pulse survey showed that 85% of students use social media as a primary news source, suggesting that many students turn to these platforms for more than entertainment. This dual-purpose usage can blur the line between productivity and distraction, as students convince themselves that checking news or responding to messages is a necessary task. For students trying to balance academics with a 24/7 connection to the world, overcoming social media-induced procrastination can be a key challenge during busy study periods.

Finding the “perfect method”

With procrastination being a major challenge for students, many have turned to a variety of study methods in an effort to improve their routines. One popular option is the “Pomodoro Method”, developed by author Francesco Cirillo during his time as a university student. This time management strategy is built around the idea of working in short, focused intervals to help maintain concentration and prevent burnout. 

The method involves setting a timer for 25 minutes of uninterrupted work, followed by a 5-minute break. After completing four of these cycles, students should take a longer break that typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. By breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks, it becomes easier to get started and build momentum. The regular breaks also give the brain a chance to rest and reset, which can improve overall retention of information.

While the method is helpful for students who struggle with procrastination or who find it difficult to stay engaged during long study sessions, it is not perfect. Students can still find distractions, due to the ease of internet access on a laptop and the amount of simple distractions, such as notifications on their phones.

The importance of effective studying could not be more critical during the last month of the semester. Whether it’s through solo study sessions, time management techniques like the Pomodoro Method or simply finding the right environment to focus, reimagining study habits can make a difference in exam results. As deadlines pile up and the final weeks of school approach, balancing productivity and well-being is key to finishing the semester strong.