College can be one of the most exciting times of your life. There is so much to do besides going to class, studying for tests, and finishing homework. You’ll be making friends, socializing at on and off-campus functions, getting involved in activities, sports, and various other groups that engage with the community around you. With all of these other facets of college life making demands on your time it’s easy to get distracted from your studies, even if that’s the number one reason you’ve come to school. So here are five tips you can follow in order to avoid the myriad distractions that can trip you up as you make your way through your first semester and all of the semesters beyond at Michigan State University.

1. Set Goals

There’s no shortage of work that needs to be finished on time and when your major is a particularly demanding and stressful it can be tough to make every deadline. It’s all too easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work that needs to be completed. That’s why it’s a smart idea to set study goals for yourself and tackle each assignment in the order of its priority. This way you won’t try to finish it all at the same time so nothing gets accomplished except you getting frustrated.

2. Establish a Routine

Nothing is better for helping you remain focused on getting that masters degree in accounting than devising a consistent routine for yourself. That includes when and where you decide to do your studying as well as what time of day works best for you. Don’t worry if you can’t establish and stick with it immediately, creating the right routine could take some time until it’s perfected. But once you have it set, you’ll find you’re less distracted and more productive.

3. Don’t Multitask

Homework distractions can come in all shapes and sizes and sources. One of the easiest ways to lose focus is by trying to multitask. The very nature of multitasking means your focus shifts sporadically from one thing to the next. This is not an effective way to get your work done and you end up becoming less efficient in the process.

4. Eat Right

It’s all too easy for good nutrition to be the first casualty of campus life. Students often choose fast food instead of healthier options and that can end up making you lose focus. When you’re not properly nourished your brain doesn’t function at its best. So eat a good breakfast to start the day right and make smarter choices in the cafeteria and after class. That way you’ll be better prepared for getting all of your work done.

5. Stay Active

Another way to keep your brain focused is by getting some exercise before you plan to study and take breaks during study sessions. These don’t need to be high impact workouts, just go for a walk, a swim, and maybe ride a bicycle for a half hour. Once you get the blood flowing, your mind is now ready to concentrate on the tasks in front of you.