WHERE to study during dedicated study time?

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jack.jaret

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I see a lot of people asking HOW to study, but I believe where you study is just as important. I have two options.

1) Study at my new apartment, which is back home in Houston, where I'll be doing my rotations. 2) Study where my medical school is (our school campus is in a different city).

I want to go back to be able to see my friends on my 1 day off and for them to help me keep sane. I also want to stay here though since I already have a routine. Which is better for my sanity/most likely for me to not burn out and do well?
 
For me it's about routine and a quiet environment with no distractions, so I would be in Houston at my new apartment. If I'm pulling 8 hour days studying for the USMLE, there's the gym, food and sleep to work into the equation. I may be very different than most, but I'm pretty self-sustaining and can even find 'seeing friends' as a distraction from my state of mind. I find solace in routine, one in which includes exercise and ~7 hours of sleep each night above all else. You could always visit on a weekend to see your friends for one of your days off of studying, assuming they aren't too far away.

However, it seems to me like you want to have your friends nearby and perhaps that is how you find solace. Just do what allows you to maximize your focus.
 
Oh, sorry for the confusion!
Home = Houston, where all my friends and family are. But I'm getting an apartment near the medical center so I wouldn't be studying at home. I'd be at my apartment.
My current city = 3 hours from Houston.

I know it doesn't matter all that much. I'm just overthinking this because I don't want to end up staying here and then end up overwhelming myself since all the other students are around and stressed.
 
Yes you are over thinking it. Motivation usually comes from the inside. I personally needed a place where I didn't have to worry about laundry, food, grocery shopping, and every other thing adults do. I spent my dedicated time at home. Used to wake up and start studying with coffee already made by my mom. It was just nice not having anything else to do. Literally all I did was study 12-16 hrs a day lol. Got the scores that had me interviewing at harvard, hopkins, duke etc....so it worked out 🙂 Though I didn't have built in "days off", I just had beast mode turned on. Didn't want to have regrets about not giving it "everything".
 
Thanks man. Looks like I have to figure out what's best for myself. Ugh I hate being an adult 😀

Congrats on all the interviews by the way!
 
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