As midterms approach and your day’s to-do list grows to new lengths, it’s easy to skip some much needed study time. Whether your excuse is lack of time, space or just plain confusion, keep reading for tips on how to conquer your procrastination demons.

“I really don’t have any time to study today…”

Your schedule is probably brimming with countless classes, meetings and appointments. But have you ever thought to schedule in some study time? Leading the hectic lives that we do, it’s not a bad idea to actually schedule in an hour or two of study time each night. Even if you have no need to cram, a little nightly studying will keep you up-to-date and out of the library for the entire night before your test! Plus, if you work it into your busy schedule you have less chance of drumming up an excuse about needing to be somewhere else when you should be studying. So do yourself a favor and schedule to study!

“I am too easily distracted! I can never find a good place to study.”

This probably means you haven’t been looking hard enough. Of course, we all try to study at our school’s main library but all too often it still isn’t quiet, and between the temptation of Facebook and your friends strolling by this study staple isn’t all that useful. Instead, try more secluded and non-traditional areas like the top floor or basement of your school’s student union or one of your school’s lesser known libraries.

For example, I head to Miami’s Art and Architecture library, located in the basement of our alumni building. It’s quiet, lesser known and provides lots of table space. Look for gems like this on your own campus. If you’re having trouble locating one, try looking up your school’s library homepage for a complete list of libraries on your campus.

“It just doesn’t make sense—I’m so confused. I give up.”

It’s easy to throw your white flag when faced with chapters upon chapters of material you don’t understand. Chances are you are not alone. Try joining or creating a study group for your class. Working in a group setting helps to minimize procrastination, and often when discussed and spoken out loud the material will begin to make more sense. Who knows? You could end up helping someone in your group. Everyone brings something to the table and in the end a group dynamic really pays off.

If you’re embarrassed about asking your class to join a group, mention the suggestion to your professor and ask him or her to announce it anonymously to the class.