How to Avoid Friends While Studying

Co-authored by Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed. and Madeleine Criglow

Last Updated: September 1, 2024 References

Friends are wonderful, but they can really make it hard to focus when you're studying. You want to just hang out and cut loose when you're spending time with them, so it's tempting to blow off your work when they're around. If you've really got to ace an upcoming test, it may be best to study solo.

Method 1

Method 1 of 9:

Study at home when you can.

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Alternatively, work in the living room or use the dining room table as a desk. Whichever room you choose, make sure it's free of distractions.^{[1]
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Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Educational Consultant

Expert Interview} Turn off the TV, ask your siblings to keep the noise down, and keep background music at a quiet volume. Studying at home ensures that your friends won't walk by and distract you at any moment.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 9:

Try the library for a quiet study session.

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Find a desk that's tucked away and private. Since talking (or at least talking loudly) is usually prohibited in the library, it's a good choice when you're looking to avoid your friends. Set up your notebook, laptop, and whatever else you need at a private desk and stay focused.^{[3]
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- Visit your school library or go to the public library in your neighborhood for a change of pace.
- If your friend walks by in the library and asks to sit with you, politely say that you need to study alone.

Method 3

Method 3 of 9:

Go to a coffee shop for a change of scenery.

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Choose one that your friends don't often frequent. A coffee shop provides a calm, quiet ambiance for focused studying. Get some coffee or tea to stay energized, pick a one-person table, and set up your study materials.^{[4]
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- If you're easily distracted, pick a coffee shop that's not super busy. It can be hard to focus in a crowded, fast-paced environment.

Method 4

Method 4 of 9:

Create a study plan to stay focused.

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It's easy to get distracted when you don't have an agenda. Make a plan for everything you want to accomplish during your study session. Write it down to keep track of what you do as you go. Tell yourself that you can't hang out or text your friends until you finish your study goals for the day.^{[5]
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- Check off the tasks you complete as you go! This can build your momentum and make you feel accomplished.

Method 5

Method 5 of 9:

Change your phone and computer settings.

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Text notifications, phone calls, and emails can make it hard to focus. Try putting your phone on "Do Not Disturb" mode so that you don't get any text alerts or phone calls while you study. If your phone doesn't have this setting, turn off notifications and put it on silent. When you're using your computer, try disabling email notifications and logging out of your social media accounts so that you won't be as tempted to check them.^{[6]
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- You could also just put your phone somewhere you're not able to reach it.^{[7]
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  Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
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- If you have a really hard time not checking your phone, schedule breaks throughout your study time to check it. For example, reward yourself with 5 minutes of phone time after completing a reading.

Method 6

Method 6 of 9:

Use a productivity app to stop checking social media.

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This is a way to avoid your friends virtually. Apps like Freedom block social media and other websites of your choice so that you can't check them while you're studying. Schedule the amount of time you would like to block the websites and sync the app so that it also blocks them on your laptop or computer.^{[8]
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- If you really struggle with checking social media while you study, these apps are another way to hold yourself accountable.

Method 7

Method 7 of 9:

Leave if a group study session is unproductive.

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If you can't get work done, kindly excuse yourself to study at home. If your friends and study buddies are actually analyzing what happened at the spring formal, excuse yourself to study in a quiet, distraction-free environment like the library or your room at home. Be polite and let them know that you can catch up with everyone when you're finished with your work.^{[9]
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- Say something like, "I'm having more trouble with these vocab words than I thought. I think I need to go home to study for a bit. See y'all tomorrow!"

Method 8

Method 8 of 9:

Put on headphones to tune out your friends.

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This can help if you have to study at school and can't escape them. That way, you can at least drown out their noise! Listen to some peaceful, calming music to help you focus on your studies. Use noise-canceling headphones for some extra peace and quiet.^{[10]
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- If you don't like listening to music while you study, you can still use headphones to tune out the noise. Simply put on your headphones without turning on any music so your friends will know not to bother you.

Method 9

Method 9 of 9:

Be firm with friends who won't take no for an answer.

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Don't let your friends convince you not to study. Be clear and stand up for what you want to do. A true friend will understand if you need some time to study quietly.^{[11]
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- Say something like, "I'd love to hang out this weekend, but I've got a big test tomorrow and I really need to study tonight. I hope you understand!"

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Question

How can I ignore my friend while I study?

Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Educational Consultant
Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University.

Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.

Educational Consultant

Expert Answer

One of the most successful methods, though it can perturb some students, is putting your phone in a locking mechanism for an hour or two hours. This way, you'll only be able to use it after that time, focusing completely on your studies.

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Question

How do I stop daydreaming while studying?

Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Educational Consultant
Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University.

Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.

Educational Consultant

Expert Answer

Well, I believe the easiest way to get away from distracting friends is to, first and foremost, find an environment that is suitable for your studying needs — often, the silent place in the room or in your house. That said, the most essential way to get away from those distractions is really to put your phone away.

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Thank you for your feedback.
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