How to Ask Someone to Be Your Study Buddy

Studying alone can lead to boredom, distraction, and no one to turn to when you’re stuck. But the right study buddy can enliven your study sessions. It can be intimidating to ask someone to be your study buddy, but chances are there’s someone else out there who is looking for the same help studying you are. By knowing what you’re looking for, where to seek potential candidates, and how to ask the right questions, you can find the perfect study buddy.

1) Reflect on your goals. Ask yourself what kind of study buddy might be good for you, what kind of person you would like to study with, and where you would like to study.

• Make note of your strengths and weaknesses. Know what kind of help you can contribute and what kind of help you want to receive. A good study buddy will give help, as well as seek it.

2) Observe your classmates. If there’s a particular classmate of yours that asks interesting questions, makes comments that intrigue you, or you already know you work well with, consider approaching them. Chances are, they have the same interests as you.

• Also observe those who are in the same school clubs as you are or are interested in the same extra-curricular activities.
• While you and your study buddy don’t necessarily have to have the same level of intelligence, you should share a similar level of commitment and get along well. Remember, your energies will influence each other’s work habits.

3) Look for a study buddy in your go-to study spots. If there’s a particular place you like to study (cafe, library, etc.), keep an eye out for others who often study there as well. There’s a good chance that they have a schedule similar to yours, and they are likely to feel comfortable studying in the same environment.

4) Put out a public request for a study buddy. You may have people in your immediate social network who are also looking for a study buddy but haven’t spoken up. They may even be people that you already know well and feel comfortable around. Use all available resources:

• Post a call for a study buddy on a bulletin board in a public building (classroom buildings, libraries, community centers, etc.).
• Post a request for a study buddy on social media.
• Send a request for a study buddy to a class or departmental email list. This is a good way--especially for an introvert--to gauge people’s interest in obtaining a study buddy. It’s also an efficient way to find someone with similar academic interests.