How to manage time during semester to study something extra you love

[drake]

Hello :) The semestre has started and I'm taking some classes, analysis mostly. However, I want to study some topics in algebra to learn more about it. I mean I would like to try learning some gradute topics in algebra. So, without failing at semestre classes, how can I study an extra topic which is not in the semestre? Thanks.

 

[462chevelle]

less sleep and caffeine dependence. <-- not advice, but my experiences

 

[drake]

Thanks for the advice, 462chevelle. I'm looking for a way to sleep less and study more with high efficieny but I haven't found a solution yet. I tried lots of kinds of coffee , also coffee with cola and some fruits :) I heard some of medical science students are using drugs. I also read that Erdös was using amphetamine :) However, I only had Pharmaton. I was having a capsule after breakfast but after midnight I was feeling sleepy. Then I tried Pharmaton tablets in the evening and it was feeling so energetic. Lastly, I looked for napping systems. So, can you give me some more info about your experiences? because I really need to find a solution about sleeping less and working hard. Have a nice day.

 

[462chevelle]

First off, i wouldn't advise you to use drugs that will land you in prison as a study tool. Would be a waste to go to jail for something like that.
This type of situation is different for everyone. The best method I have found is that you MUST be ahead of the class as far as the material goes. If that takes studying before school starts on your own or anything. My day consists of waking up around 6 driving to school. class till 5 2 days class till noon 1 day. I usually have a biscuit and a redbull for breakfast. after my lecture classes i will get starbucks, or another redbull. The best method for me is to not sit down while I am studying. I have a dry erase board and i do most my work there. If I keep my body moving i tend to get less tired. Usually study till i get really tired like this then i kick back and turn on a lecture from mit open courseware and watch it till i pass out. <-obviously never watch lectures on english.

 

[drake]

Nice :) I have a big cork board but not a dry ease board. Maybe I can make it a dry ease board :) I will try to study on foot, I remember that I taped some paper on the wall and write some formulas before an exam.
My timetable is very bad. I wake up at 6:30 every day and most of the days my classes finishes at 5 or 6 pm. Some days I have 2 or 3 hours of breaks between classes, so maybe I can fill these breaks with studying in the library.
I will try to study on foot and watch mit lectures after I'm done studying :)

 

[drake]

Any other suggestions for better time management? :)