A Guide to the Best Study Locations and Habits

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas- Looking for better ways to study? Keep reading. 

According to Evert Villareal, a lecturer in the department of literatures and cultural studies at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, there are many habits that can help students study effectively. Villareal reflected on his time as a student and said some of the things that really helped him study successfully were, “setting up a routine for studying. And learning to space out your study [process].” 

He also said that his students “tell me that studying a little bit every day is ideal. The most successful students tell me that setting up a study schedule and sticking to it is one of the best strategies to achieve success in any course.”

For exams, Villarreal shared these top five tips and tricks to help UTRGV students study successfully. 

1. “Set up a realistic reading/writing/study schedule and stick to it.” When you stick to a consistent schedule, you become accustomed to the hard work, and it becomes part of your everyday process, making it a little easier to study. 
2. “Find classmates who are supportive of you and can help deepen your understanding of course material.” This gives students the chance to ask questions and work collaboratively with their peers. 
3. “Visualize course material and use pictures and images to help you understand complex material; also, see if you can find useful YouTube videos to help you understand course material.” This allows you to review the material more than once, which helps students understand material they might have misunderstood before. 
4. “Try to explain course material to a friend or classmate. Explaining course material to someone else will solidify one’s understanding of complex course material.” When you teach material to someone else, you are actually testing to see how much you know, and this will help you make sure you are understanding what you are teaching. 
5. “See if you can find a free online quiz to help you practice your understanding of course material.” Practice makes perfect.

Apart from studying tips, one needs a good place to study. Across the UTRGV campuses, students are studying in different places, such as the library, the Student Union and outside. If you are looking for a place to study, here are the top five locations to try: 

1. The Library:

The libraries on both the Edinburg and Brownsville campuses are full of  great places to work and study.  A favorite spot of mine is a quaint, quiet spot at the back of the library on the second floor of the Edinburg campus, perfect for anyone who prefers to study in secluded areas. Not only is that a great spot to focus and tackle your work, it’s by big windows that overlook the campus. This helps you take in the sunshine while completing your assignments and provides a nice view if you need some natural inspiration. Both university library locations offer private study rooms that allow for peaceful concentration. 

2. The Student Union: 

Of course, the UTRGV Student Unions are top picks for most students as they offer all kinds of setting options. If you are someone who prefers to study in busy areas and likes to be surrounded by places, such as Starbucks and Chick-fil-A, the Student Union on the Edinburg campus is the perfect spot for you. On the Brownsville campus, you can enjoy studying by Pizza Hut and the Grill at the Student Union. 

3. Reserva Coffee Roasters: 

Reserva is a coffee restaurant in the Rio Grande Valley with locations in McAllen and on the UTRGV Edinburg campus. Reserva is quiet but livelier than the library, so it is a good medium for someone who likes a bit of background noise. Located in the UTRGV School of Medicine’s  

Team-Based Learning Center, this cafe is a great place to sit, snack and study.  

4. Jazzman’s:

Located in the library on the Edinburg campus, Jazzman’s is a small brewery and bakery that offers a plethora of snacks and drinks, as well as a fun environment to study in. Being in the library, Jazzman’s allows you to have easy access to the library’s numerous resources but in a livelier environment where you do not have to stay quiet. Express yourself! Respectfully, of course. 

5. Science Building:

The new Science Building is at the center of the Edinburg campus and features Sandella’s Flatbread Cafe on the first floor. On the second floor, there is a large seating area that overlooks the campus. This seating area is comfortable and peaceful but has a lively environment with students coming in and out. This is a great place to study because it offers a lot of seating options and a nice courtyard that allows you to sit and take in the campus. 

Overall, UTRGV is a place full of great locations and resources that can be extremely helpful to students and anyone looking for a place to concentrate or relax. Next time you are looking for a place to study or need help with your studies, this guide might help.