Five things to do if you want to form a study group that actually works

Study groups are the unicorn of the student experience: mysterious and believed impossible by many. The familiar cry of “we should study together!” may often ring hollow, but we’re here to tell you different. A real, functional, and possibly even helpful study group is absolutely doable, and not just in the world of Greendale Community College.

Pick your dream group

The first step is to assemble your study dream team. First, you need people who actually want to be in a study group – people to whom the idea of meeting up regularly to study actually appeals. Known flakes and people who don’t really give a shit about the class = out.

Next, you want a mix of abilities – people who’re strong on different topics covered in the course. Even if you feel like someone already knows everything in the textbook, you might be surprised that they jump at the chance to study their weaker sections in a group setting.

Finally, stick to a small group. About four to six peeps is the optimum size to maintain cohesion and get through the most content per study session.

Pick a fixed place and time

Once you find a day and time that works for everyone, stick to it religiously. Treating your study sessions as a serious commitment will not only mean you keep up with the content in class, but you and your study buddies will be more prepared to put in the work to learn it all.

You’ll also know exactly where and when your studying will be, so no drawn out discussions about who’s available from week to week. After all, 80 per cent of success is showing up, right? Right.

Prepare beforehand

I know – you’re doing this to lessen your academic stress, not to get extra homework! But taking a few minutes to an hour to prepare for your study sessions means less time wasted on the day. From looking over your notes for weak spots to focus on, to preparing notes on a particular chapter for an upcoming exam, preparing in advance makes every session go smoother and be more productive.

Make sure your group members know what is expected of everyone to prepare for each week. When everyone is in the habit of preparing for and attending study sessions, they’ll run like clockwork.

Keep in touch

Create a FB group and actually use it. Check in with people, ask a question about your last lecture or send dank memes – keeping in touch will help you get closer as a group, as well as know how everyone else is going. You can delegate tasks to help with preparations for the next session, share a laugh about your tutor’s penchant for sweater vests, and support each other during times of stress (like finals week countdown).

Have fun!

The real key to a successful study group is a mix of work and play. Your study group should be a place you come to have a pleasant time, as well as walk away with some new knowledge. That could mean copious snacking during your sessions, a reward (like a karaoke night or trip to Luna Park) at the end of the semester or just hanging out on the weekends! As long as everyone involved feels they’re contributing (as well as benefitting) in a stress-free environment, you’ve got yourself a study group that actually works.

Chelsea Paisley

Chelsea is studying International Studies at the University of Sydney, but has a lot more contact hours with Netflix.

Image: Community "Basic Story" by Ben Cohen/NBC.