Studying with another student has its pros and cons. Some people prefer to study on their own, while others enjoy the help of friends to make studying more bearable. It helps to work with people who are equally devoted to studying and getting their work done as you are. The downside of most study buddies is that they can become chatty and social, rather than informative and educational. The benefits of having a study partner include meeting new people, sharing knowledge, quizzing each other, and bouncing around ideas to make higher quality notes. “Study partners are a great thing because then you get two different points of views, especially for a hard class like Physics,” says junior Craig Spengler. With hard classes like Physics, it might be a good idea to have a friend to help you with memorizing formulas.
“I don’t like study partners because I learn easier, and it’s more efficient when I work by myself. I can absorb information easier when it’s quiet, and I am alone,” says sophomore Rachel Gibson. If you prefer quiet, independent time to study, working with a partner might not be the best idea for you.
At the end of the day, the issue of whether or not to take a study buddy depends on the individual and what suits them the best. Working with a partner can either end up becoming a social hour and a complete waste of time, or it could be very helpful and informative.
