Whilst most suggest that working alone is good, I would suggest the opposite. I find that working with somebody else can really increase your productivity because of the guilt I feel when I’m doom scrolling and the other people I’m working with are fully locked-in. As long as those you are working with are also dedicated to their work, I find this method useful in terms of motivation, plus its fun to have some company even if you are just sitting in silence.
...knowing that your phone is in use for something means that you are less inclined to continuously pick it up.
If, like many of us, your phone is the biggest distraction when you need to lock-in and you find yourself constantly flipping through Instagram reels and TikTok and ignoring every screen time limit you set, then I would recommend recording a timelapse of yourself, with your phone, while you work. It may sound a bit silly but knowing that your phone is in use for something means that you are less inclined to continuously pick it up.
Now, if neither of this work and you still cannot lock in, this final tip may be the one for you. Associating a particular smell with studying is scientifically proven to help you concentrate. This is because our sense of smell is directly connected to the brain’s limbic system which influences memory, mood as well as concentration. Meaning that if you have a particular scent in use when locking-in, you should be able to focus better. Citrusy smells are the best for focusing as they are known to boost your alertness whilst uplifting and energising you. Buying a spray or diffuser may be the thing you need to save your mid-terms.