How to Make a Study Timetable

Manage your time and conquer your classes with your own personalized planner

A study timetable is a handy, inexpensive tool that can help you get control over your study time. Basically, a study timetable gives you a perspective of how much time you have to complete all your prioritized tasks, like exam prep for all your classes. If you want to get organized and feel motivated to get your work done, we'll teach you everything you need to know about study timetables. So, leap right into this straightforward article to unlock your full academic potential!

This article is based on an interview with our educational consultant, Alexander Ruiz.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Review the syllabi from all your classes to create the most detailed timetable.
• Set aside special blocks of time that are reserved for studying your material.
• Factor small breaks into your timetable so you'll be refreshed and stress-free.
• Revise your timetable whenever a new development, like extra credit, comes up.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Sample Timetable and List of Things to Include

Study Timetable Template

Study Timetable Template

Things to Include in Your Study Timetable

Things to Include in Your Study Timetable

[Edit]Setting Up Your Timetable

1. Review your current schedule to see how you spend your time. Before you create a study timetable that’s perfectly tailored for your academic goals, get a sense for how you’re running your life right now. For example, do you spend a ton of time socializing or unwinding with video games? While that’s perfectly fine, you might notice that you can repurpose some hours to master your class or ace a test.^[1]
   
   • Remember—any sacrifices you make are temporary. You'll be able to go back to your everyday routines after your big exam or assignment.
   • Sometimes, you’ll have to fit your studying around some things that you do on a regular basis, like extracurriculars, chores, or exercise.^[2]
   • It’s totally fine if you take off some days to enjoy yourself. Just be sure to make up the difference later!
2. Collect all the information you can about your class. Review your syllabus to see all the exams, group discussions, essays, and assignments you’ll be responsible for. If you accidentally tossed it, ask your teacher for another one. If your teacher uses an online platform, like Blackboard, scroll through it to familiarize yourself with the pace and general challenge level of your class.^[3]
   
   • For example, maybe your professor assigns a lot of small and super achievable assignments, like weekly reflection papers, and only gives one mid-term.
   • On the other hand, your professor might be more tough and assign bi-monthly exams. Or, they may expect you to turn in multiple drafts of any essay.
   • See which tasks are more time-consuming. For instance, maybe you’re a whiz at pre-lab assignments, but you need to dedicate a couple hours each day to quantum mechanics.
3. Decide which times are optimal for studying. Consider when your brain is alert and when you’re most energized. When it comes to reviewing your materials, are you a morning or a night person? After the sun rises and you chow down on a bowl of oatmeal, are you ready and raring to go? Or, do you like to eat dinner, wind down, and meticulously look over your notes? When you find out your “peak study hours,” you’ll be able to create the best schedule for yourself.^[4]
   
   • Look for times when you won't have any distractions—for instance, you might be completely free to study from 7 A.M. to 10 A.M. or 5 P.M. to 8 P.M.
4. Create your timetable grid. Are you a big picture type of person? If so, you might want to make a study timetable that maps out a whole month. However, you may prefer to “chunk” your material and create a study timetable that outlines your week. If you are really hands-on, you might like to use a ruler, a pen, and highlighters to draw out your timetable on a piece of paper. However, you can also speed up the process by making a digital timetable on a spreadsheet or with an app.^[5]
   
   • Try out spreadsheet programs, like Microsoft Excel or Apple Numbers. Or, experiment with some of the templates that your word processor—like MS Word—offers.
   • Some apps specialize in study timetables—for instance “My Study Life” helps you record and track all of your exams and assignments.
   • If you're frequently online or on your phone, a physical paper timetable might be the best option for you. You’ll be able to refer to it without getting distracted by your tech.
   • You can also combine paper and digital formats: use your computer to print out a grid that you’ve already added days and times to, then print out as many as you like and fill them out by hand.
5. Draw the grid for your timetable. A traditional timetable tracks all the days you’ll spend studying as well as the time you’ll allot for each task. Once you create a grid with plenty of squares (for example, a 7x8 grid), write the days of the week at the top. Once those squares are filled in, the rest can be used to block out times when you’ll study for tests, assignments, or presentations.^[6]
   
   • If you’re making a timetable by hand on paper, use regular notebook paper or blank paper and draw your lines with a ruler for a clean look.
   • The biggest downside to the paper-and-pencil method is that it can be pretty labor intensive if you need to make tweaks on multiple pages.
   • Your safest bet is to use a digital program, like Google Sheets. After all, you might end up adding more blocks on your timetable if your teacher assigns new material, like quizzes or extra credit assignments.
   • However, lots of people prefer to study and organize their time on paper, so you should do whatever motivates you best.
6. Choose a timetable template that you'll use every week. If you’d like to streamline your process, design or download a timetable that you’ll print out and fill in every week. Create a batch of these timetables in one go based on the information you receive from your syllabus and your course management system, like Blackboard. All this prep will save you a lot of time in the long run.^[7]
   
   • Take into account big assignments or final exams and update your study schedule by adding blocks of times you'll use to study for them.
   • Factor in extracurriculars that you identified earlier, like holidays or sports. Fill in squares to represent blocks of time in which you won’t be studying.

[Edit]Filling in Your Timetable

1. Block your study times. Aim for blocks of study time that are fairly long, such as 2–4 continuous hours. This will help you get into the groove of studying and make sure you're more productive with your time. Time-blocking is a tried and true tactic to eliminate distractions so you can dedicate all your attention to your coursework.^[8]
   
   • Have a day where you're super busy? That's totally fine—just look for a block of time that's available. Even 45 minutes can keep you ahead of the game when it comes to studying.
   • If you have some classes that are really challenging for you, it's a good call to set aside more time to study for them. For example, if French is a breeze, squirrel away 1 hour for it. However, if you have to rack your brain over Statistics, devote a whole 4 hours to review the ins and outs of it.^[9]
   • Bear in mind that you don't have to force yourself to stay on task for 4 continuous hours without a single break—we'll cover that in the next step.
2. Schedule time for breaks. Break are essential to your success. After all, you're not a robot, and no one, not even your teacher, expects you to work non-stop for hours on end. If you build breaks into your study schedule, you're more likely to overcome boredom and to return to your work feeling refreshed and energized.^[10]
   
   • Many experts recommend that you work for 45 minutes every hour, and then take a break for 15 minutes. Everyone is different, though, so experiment to find what works best for you.
   • If you think you thrive with regular breaks, or if you tend to get a little restless, try the "Pomodoro Method": during the block of time that you're studying, commit to 25 minute stretches of concentrated work, then take 5 minute breaks.^[11]
   • For an extra boost to your health, build in activity breaks—for example, go for a 15-minute walk or make use of a 5-minute break by doing a set of push ups, sit ups, or body weight deadlifts.
3. Be as specific as possible. Remember how you gathered all your of assignments and syllabi? Now's the time to put them to use. Schedule blocks of time that represent when you'll study for all of your classes. Also remember to fill out squares on your grid to note which assignments and presentations you'll be responsible for. For instance, instead of just writing "English," jot down: "Create outline for essay on post-modernism." You'll have a clear picture of what you need to prioritize.^[12]
   
   • Things will change over time, of course, and something you planned 2 months ago may not apply anymore. If that's the case, use a pen to draw an "X" through any assignments or tests you no longer have to take.
   • Homework's also great to add to your timetable. For example, if you always have 20 math problems to do each week, record that in your timetable.
   • Scribble in new updates that come up, too. For example, if two teachers are offering extra credit opportunities, factor that into your study timetable.
4. Schedule multiple subjects during each session. Keep in mind that it's totally okay to use one continuous block of study time to review concepts from different classes. For example, use a 4 hour block to review French vocabulary, chemical reactions, and business practices. Working on different subjects during a single session will keep you from getting completely burned out by intensely focusing on one subject and ending up with next to no energy to do anything else.^[13]
   
   • Of course, this can change once exam time rolls around and you need to devote all your energy to a single subject!
5. Color code your timetable to keep track of all your classes. Color coding classes and responsibilities will help make your timetable easier to use and be easier on the eyes. You might be looking at this timetable a lot—make it your own! Who knows: you might end up enjoying the process of managing your studying time and sprucing up your timetable. Best case scenario? You'll see it as a fun and almost therapeutic activity that lets you get a little artistic.
   
   • You might want to use colored pencils if it’s on paper. Or you could highlight things on the computer and print in color.
   • If you’re using an online-only app, you'll usually have to stick with the range of colors it provides (i.e., blue, green, orange, and pink).
   • Consider an online program like Canva. You'll have tons of templates to choose from. You can even add fun digital stickers, like bubbling beakers to represent your Chemistry class.
   • You can even buy some awesome and vibrant timetables on sites like Amazon or Etsy.

[Edit]Using the Timetable

1. Stick to the plans and obligations you agreed to. It might take some time for you to really get used to fitting your life around your timetable and taking it seriously without any deviations. Just give it a chance. Once it’s a part of your routine, it’s going to be a big help. Plus, think of it this way—it's a great tool to ensure you dominate your classes. When you ace all your tests and earn an awesome grade, so many doors will open up for you.^[14]
   
   • If an emergency comes up, take care of what you need to. Just be sure to find extra blocks of time later in the week to make up the difference.
   • All that dedication gives you a great chance to treat yourself later. Grab some ice cream, phone some friends, or play some video games when you finish. After you're done with all your classes, you can even throw a little party.
2. Relax whenever you make any tiny slip-ups. There's no reason to follow your timetable down to the exact minute. Look, if you start studying for Spanish at 5:05 P.M. instead of 5:00 P.M., it's not the end of the world. Just focus on finishing up all your most important tasks while also factoring in time for some rest and relaxation. Ultimately, a timetable's a little system to help you perform better in your classes. Base your time on it, but don’t worry about not following it to the tee.^[15]
   
   • If you want to, meditate, move around, or chat with a friend right before you jump into all your coursework. In fact, research suggests it's smart to unwind before all the hard work you'll do.^[16]
3. Revise your timetable if you need to adjust your study schedule. See what works and what doesn’t, and if something isn’t working, feel free to fix it. You already put effort into making the timetable—there’s no reason to scrap it when a few simple revisions could make it work well for you. While it's best to stick to your timetable, it's also important to update it if any there are any new developments.
   
   • If you have to make a lot of adjustments, a digital timetable might your best bet.
   • If you prefer a physical copy, make sure your timetable has lots of empty squares so you can fill in new information.
   • If you want a change, such as switching from a pen-and-paper timetable to one on an app, that's totally fine—it's important to do what feels sustainable for you.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Create Good Study Habits for Exams
• Create a Study Schedule

[Edit]Reader Videos

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/news-events/study-space/how-to-make-an-effective-study-plan
2. ↑ [v161441_b01]. 18 June 2020.
3. ↑ [v161441_b01]. 18 June 2020.
4. ↑ https://www.stetson.edu/administration/academic-success/media/STUDY%20SCHEDULE.pdf
5. ↑ https://youtu.be/JfZvWrUXhWY?t=245
6. ↑ https://algonquin-academic-success.libguides.com/study-skills/weekly-schedule
7. ↑ https://www.excelsior.edu/article/study-plans/
8. ↑ https://www.monash.edu/student-academic-success/study-better/prepare-for-timed-assessments
9. ↑ https://www.monash.edu/student-academic-success/study-better/prepare-for-timed-assessments
10. ↑ https://au.reachout.com/study-work-and-money/exam-stress/study-hacks
11. ↑ https://learningcommons.ubc.ca/the-pomodoro-technique-study-more-efficiently-take-more-breaks/
12. ↑ [v161441_b01]. 18 June 2020.
13. ↑ https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2011/11/study-smart/
14. ↑ https://beyondaccess.csd.uconn.edu/2021/12/09/creating-a-study-plan-and-sticking-to-it/
15. ↑ https://home.uark.edu/2020/02/the-dos-and-donts-of-time-management/
16. ↑ https://health.cornell.edu/about/news/study-breaks-stress-busters

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How to Redo Rock Landscaping

Rock landscaping is a beautiful way to add interest to your garden or yard, but sometimes you just need to change it up. Contrary to how it sounds, moving a bunch of rocks around is actually pretty easy with the right approach and vision. We’ve put together a thorough guide to removing, cleaning, and reusing your landscaping rocks. If you’re ready to add new life to your rock features, read on!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Removing Rocks

1. Shovel gravel into a wheelbarrow to move it around your yard. Gravel or pebbles can get caught in a lawn mower, so it’s important to be thorough when you remove these. Start by shoveling as much gravel as you can into a wheelbarrow or waste container. Use a rake to gather stones the shovel missed.^[1]
   
   • If your gravel path or garden has a geotextile cloth underneath, just lift it up after you’ve shoveled away some gravel to cleanly remove any stragglers.
2. Loosen soil and expose larger rocks with a rototiller. First, slowly and carefully push the rototiller to break up the top few inches of soil. As stones turn up, pick them up and place them in a wheelbarrow to keep them out of the way. To dispose of them, wheel them to a dumpster (or put them directly into one).^[2]
   
   • Rototillers can be bought or rented at most home improvement stores or online.
3. Rake through the loosened soil to gather small rocks you missed. A sturdy, metal rake works best. Rake the stones into a pile and shovel them into a wheelbarrow, dumpster, or separate pile to use or clean later.^[3]
   
   • It's tempting to leave rocks in the soil since grass will grow over them, but removing them makes planting a garden easier (and protects your lawn mower and other equipment).
4. Drive a tractor plow to scoop rocks from a large area of soil with less labor. This method can be expensive, but saves a lot of elbow grease. Rent a tractor with a plow attachment. Drive over the area you want to clear, using the plow to collect loose rocks. Sift the dirt away from the rocks and spread it back on the ground.^[4]
   
   • Go over the ground in sections rather than doing the entire area all at once.
   • This works best for rocks that are bigger than gravel but smaller than boulders. In landscaping, boulders are rocks bigger than in diameter.
5. Roll large rocks and boulders out of your yard with a pry bar. Use a flat stone or other hardy object as a fulcrum and place it near the boulder so they’re almost touching. Take a long pry bar and stick the end between the fulcrum and boulder. Push down on the high end of the bar to leverage the boulder forward.^[5]
   
   • Repeat this motion until you’ve moved the boulder to its final destination.
   • If the boulder is light, place it on a wooden board with parallel metal rods underneath. Roll the board over the rods, moving the rear rod to the front as you go.
   • If the boulder is partially buried, dig around it with a shovel until the entire rock is exposed. Lift it into a wheelbarrow or onto a rolling board.^[6]
6. Dispose of your landscaping rocks with a trailer or junk removal service. The easiest way to get rid of the rocks is to place them in a dumpster and call a junk removal company to take them away. You can also rent a truck and trailer to drive them yourself to a yard waste disposal place that accepts gravel and rock.^[7]
   
   • Post photos of your rocks online or put a sign in your yard that says “Free!” Anyone interested in using them will be happy to take a few off your hands.

[Edit]Cleaning Rocks

1. Separate dirt and gravel with a metal sifter. First, shovel the gravel on top of the sifter and move the rocks around with your hands or a garden hoe to shake loose dirt and leaves away. Put the cleaned gravel in a wheelbarrow or separate pile to reinstall later and shovel up the dirt that fell under the sifter.^[8]
   
   • If you don’t own a sifter, build one by nailing together a wooden frame and laying hardware cloth fencing (with spacing) over it.^[9]
2. Spray your gravel with water to remove stubborn dirt. Do this while your gravel is still on the sifter to get the maximum clean. Beware that the water will mix with the dirt underneath the sifter and make mud (consider doing this over a tarp for easy cleanup or in a driveway where you can spray the mud away).^[10]
   
   • Let the gravel dry completely before reinstalling (dirt will cling to wet rocks).
   • Place landscaping fabric down before reinstalling your gravel. It will block weed growth and help keep dirt from mixing with your gravel again.^[11]
3. Use a pressure washer to blast stubborn dirt off larger rocks. If you have one available, it saves you the trouble of scrubbing mold or fungus on your rocks by hand. Stand away so the tip of the washer is about away from the rock. Spray at an angle to prevent debris from blowing back at you.^[12]
   
   • Spray with a sweeping motion, like you’re using a broom. If the dirt isn’t blowing away, try moving closer.
4. Treat stubborn dirt, mold, or fungus on large rocks with vinegar. After rinsing your rock with water, spray the remaining dirty spots with a spray bottle full of vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate the organic material and then use a scrub brush to manually remove the debris. Rinse with water afterwards.^[13]
   
5. Use bleach to clean the most stubborn stains on your larger rocks. If a pressure washer or vinegar doesn’t work, combine of water with of bleach in a bucket. Scrub the stain with this mixture until you stop seeing mold, fungus, or dirt. Rinse the rock with water when you’re done.^[14]
   
   • Repeat this method until all traces of the stain are gone.
6. Decorate or seal your rocks after you clean them. Clean rocks look pleasing on their own, but there are a variety of ways to make them shine and give your rock landscaping a refined look. Make sure your rocks have thoroughly dried before trying some of these methods to customize them:
   
   • Polish stones with a heavy fabric (like denim) until they start to shine. You can leave them like this or seal them with mineral oil or commercial rock polish.^[15]
   • Use rock stain to change your stones’ colors or try stone enhancers to bring out the rocks’ natural sheen.
   • Spray paint your rocks to be whatever color you like! Wait for the paint to dry completely and then apply a clear sealant all over.^[16]
   • Apply a water seal to make your rocks look shiny, wet, and clean all year long.^[17]

[Edit]Repurposing Old Rocks

1. Use your leftover or unwanted rocks to build a firepit in your yard. First, stake out the shape and size of your pit with marking paint. Inside the outline, dig up of dirt and replace it with sand. Lay a base layer of stones that fit tightly together around the rim of the pit.^[18]
   
   • Continue building the walls of your pit, filling in any gaps with small stones or mortar.
   • Add a layer of gravel on top of the sand inside the pit.
   • Double check your local ordinances and make sure you have a safe spot to build a firepit before you start construction.
2. Build a retaining wall to manage soil and rain runoff. Dig a trench for the base of your wall (about deep for every of wall height) and fill it with compact, angular rocks. Add a layer of sand on top and begin laying the rows of your wall, making sure all rocks have their edges touching.^[19]
   
   • Use a rubber mallet to tap stones into place and use crushed gravel to fill in gaps in your blocks.
   • Take your time as you lay the stones—a stable, sturdy, straight wall is worth the extra time.
   • Sweep the top of each row before adding a new layer to get rid of small particles that can weather your wall.
3. Create a garden walkway with gravel or pebbles. First, outline your path and dig up the top of soil to eliminate weeds and ensure the path is level. Then place thick landscaping fabric over the path, leaving a few inches of fabric hanging over the edges. Lastly, wheelbarrow or shovel your gravel on top and voilà!^[20]
   
   • Use enough gravel to make a layer about thick. Use a rake or shovel to distribute the gravel evenly over the fabric.
   • Trim any overhanging landscaping fabric from the edges of your new path.
   • Try adding large, flat flagstone or trowel concrete pavers to your path to use as decorative stepping stones.^[21]
4. Move unwanted gravel underneath your deck or patio. This is an aesthetically pleasing look and a convenient way to remove gravel from your proper landscaping. Use a shovel and wheelbarrow to transport the gravel underneath your deck. Then use a metal rake to distribute the gravel evenly over the ground (you want a layer about thick).^[22]
   
   • To prevent weed growth, lay a thick landscaping fabric on the ground before you transport the gravel.
5. Redesign or build a new rock garden. First, choose a location and make a sketch of what you want your garden to look like. Place your larger rocks first (they’re the most difficult to move), then add an assortment of smaller stones to complement them. Leave room for beautiful plants too!^[23]
   
   • Succulents and hardy seaside plants do well in rock gardens.
   • Consider adding a water feature, like a small fountain or waterfall, for added interest.

[Edit]How Do I Choose The Right Landscaping Rocks?

[Edit]Tips

• Ask a friend or family member for help when you’re moving large rocks and boulders. An extra pair of hands can prevent back strain or another injury.
• If redoing your rock landscaping seems overwhelming, consider hiring a professional landscaping company to do the hard work and heavy lifting for you.^[24]

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.homereference.net/remove-rocks-from-soil/
2. ↑ https://www.homereference.net/remove-rocks-from-soil/
3. ↑ https://www.homereference.net/remove-rocks-from-soil/
4. ↑ https://moplants.com/remove-rocks-from-soil/
5. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/landscaping/21019419/how-to-move-large-rocks
6. ↑ https://www.homereference.net/remove-rocks-from-soil/
7. ↑ https://howtodispose.info/dispose-landscaping-rocks/#How_to_Prep_Your_Landscaping_Rocks_for_Repurposing
8. ↑ https://youtu.be/3xmq5xPQ4EU?t=76
9. ↑ https://youtu.be/3xmq5xPQ4EU?t=23
10. ↑ ​​
11. ↑ https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/landscaping/landscape-fabric-guide-types-uses/
12. ↑ https://homesteady.com/how-5575496-clean-landscaping-stones.html
13. ↑ https://homesteady.com/how-5575496-clean-landscaping-stones.html
14. ↑ https://homesteady.com/how-5575496-clean-landscaping-stones.html
15. ↑ https://sciencing.com/polish-rocks-gems-rock-tumbler-8164627.html
16. ↑ https://homesteady.com/13405501/how-to-paint-landscaping-rocks
17. ↑ https://howtofindrocks.com/what-to-put-on-rocks-to-make-them-look-wet/
18. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/build-a-fire-pit/
19. ↑ https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/techniques/building-landscape-retaining-wall
20. ↑ https://www.abbottsathome.com/steps-weed-free-gravel-path/
21. ↑ [v161586_b01]. 6 October 2020.
22. ↑ https://plasticinehouse.com/should-you-put-gravel-under-deck/
23. ↑ https://www.gardeningetc.com/us/advice/how-to-build-a-rock-garden
24. ↑ [v161586_b01]. 6 October 2020.

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How to Mingle With Strangers at Parties

To mingle with strangers at parties, start easy by talking to a single person or a small group. Introduce yourself to the strangers at the party and have a pleasant conversation with them. Smile and act confident. When you're ready, move on to another person or another group of people.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Making Introductions

1. Introduce yourself. Select a party-goer and approach them. Tell them who you are. You might, for instance, say, “Hi, I'm Mike,” then shake hands with them. Ensure your handshake is neither too limp nor too hard.^[1]
   
2. Share some information about how you came to the party. If you're attending an office party, you might say, “I work in accounting.” If you're attending a party with a friend, you could say, “I came with my friend Maven and I don't know anyone else here.”^[2]
   
3. Ask a friend to introduce you. You don't always have to mingle with strangers at parties alone. If you are attending the party as a guest, rely on the person you are attending with to introduce you to others. For instance, when you and your escort arrive at the party and they start mingling with people they know, they should say, "Allow me to introduce my friend, Reginald."
   

[Edit]Choosing Who to Talk With

1. Find people who look lonely or overwhelmed. If you see someone alone in a corner looking at their phone, they might want to mingle but not know quite how. Approach them and ask some questions to get the conversation going. For instance, you might say, “Great party, right?” or “Hi! Do you know anyone here?”^[3]
   
2. Talk to groups of two. If you find two people talking together, they're probably either a romantic couple or just two random people who started talking to each other. In either case, groups of two are easy to mingle with. Join their conversation or kick the conversation off by asking, “So, how do you two know each other?”^[4]
   
3. Talk to the life of the party. This person probably knows many of the other party-goers, and can help you mingle with strangers by introducing you to them. Talking to the life of the party is easy because they are extroverted and will carry most of the conversation.^[5]
   
   • Identify the life of the party by looking for certain personality traits. The life of the party often has a boisterous laugh and attracts many people to them. They might also have a sophisticated storytelling capability that inspires or amuses others.

[Edit]Talking to Larger Groups

1. Hover around the periphery. Approach a group of three or more people who are involved in a conversation. Hang around the outer edge of the group and listen to what they're saying.^[6]
   
2. Ask an engaging question. While someone is talking about something of interest, ask them to elaborate a bit.^[7] For instance, if the speaker is telling a story about traveling down the Mekong River, you might interject with a question like, “Is the water deep?” or “Did you go with a group or were you alone?”^[8]
   
   • The best questions will show the speaker that you're interested in what they're saying, and will enable them to talk more about their experience.
3. Look for an opening to jump in. If someone in the group is sharing a story that you can relate to, or discussing an experience similar to your own, listen attentively. After they've concluded, share your own feelings or tell a related story. ^[9]
   
   • For instance, if someone is talking about their trip to the Eiffel Tower and you have been there, too, you could jump in by saying, “Ah, yes, did you go to the top? The view is amazing.”

[Edit]Making Conversation

1. Engage in small talk. After introducing yourself, inquire about your conversation partner. Most people love to talk about themselves, so ask them about their work, their interests, or what they like to do for fun. For instance, you might ask, “So, what do you like to do on your days off?”
   
   • Seize on things you have in common. For example, if someone intends to see a movie you're interested in seeing, exclaim, “Oh yeah, that film looks interesting! I want to see it, too!”
2. Compliment others. After introducing yourself to someone at the party, you could try using flattery to create good feelings between you and the other person. For instance, you might say, “Wow, I love your earrings,” or “That's a sharp suit. Where'd you get it?”^[10]
   
3. Discuss topics relevant to the party. This can encompass a range of different conversation subjects depending on the circumstances of the party. For instance, if you're mingling with strangers at a Halloween party, you could say, “Wow, I love your costume,” or “So, tell me about your costume.” If you're at a party for the opening of a museum exhibit, ask your conversation partner, “Have you ever been here before?” or “Are you familiar with this artist?”^[11]
   
   • Talking about the food or venue in a positive way is also appropriate.
4. Allow your conversation partners to respond. Good conversation should be a give-and-take experience. Don't ramble on endlessly. Share your feelings or ideas, then allow someone else to jump in. If your conversation partner hasn't said anything in a while, ask them a question or solicit their opinion to let them know you are interested in what they have to say.^[12]
   
5. Respond appropriately. If someone tells a whimsical or lighthearted joke or story, laugh or respond with an equally lighthearted comment. This will make the conversation enjoyable for everyone involved.^[13]
   
6. Give detailed answers. If someone asks you how you know the host, you could answer with a plain answer like, “We work together.” Instead, try to spice your answers up with a story. For instance, you might reply to the same question about the host by saying, “I met her on my first day of work. She had all these pictures of pigs spread out on the light table and was looking at each one carefully with a magnifying glass.”^[14]
   
   • Include funny or memorable details in your story. Smile and laugh when appropriate.
7. Exit gracefully. There are several ways to end a conversation. You could declare your intention to get another drink or some food. You might also make an observation like, “It's rather warm in here. I think I'm going to get some fresh air,” then exit the conversation.^[15]
   
   • Finally, you could drag someone else into the conversation to “replace” you. For instance, you might say, “Shirley, come over here and listen to what Gina was saying about bees. It's truly fascinating.”
   • There's no right or wrong time to end a conversation, but if you're bored or if someone is talking your ear off, you should think about leaving.
   • Nobody should expect you to keep up one conversation or stay with one group all evening. The point of a party is to mingle and move around.
8. Move around. Mingling requires moving around, meeting lots of people, and not getting stuck in one place. After exiting one conversation, find or start another.^[16]
   
9. Avoid negative comments. When mingling with strangers at a party, do not criticize the host, the other guests, or the venue. This will get a bad reaction from many people. Plus, since you're talking to a stranger, you could be talking to a relative or close friend of the host, who might be deeply offended by your comments.^[17]
   
   • For the same reason, avoid subjects that focus on pain, misfortune, or tragedy.
   • Gossip or controversial topics are also taboo.

[Edit]Adjusting Your Attitude

1. Enjoy yourself. Have fun and smile at the party. Show interest in the conversations you're having with others.^[18] If you are having fun, others will too, and the time you spend mingling with strangers will be a success.^[19]
   
   • Even if you don't know anyone, walk into the room with a smile like you know at least half the people there. Chances are you will get smiles in return.
2. Speak and act with confidence.^[20] When mingling with strangers at a party, square your shoulders, look people in the eye, and smile as you introduce yourself. Speak in a calm, measured tone. Don't rush your sentences and keep your voice at a natural volume.
   
3. Think of the party as a judgment-free zone. When mingling with strangers at a party, remember that you're not under the microscope. Avoid thinking negative thoughts such as, “Everyone is studying my every move. If I say or do the wrong thing, I will be ridiculed and ostracized.” Instead, keep the following in mind:^[21]
   
   • Many other people are likely in the same situation you are.
   • Even if you do say something to someone that you feel embarrassed about, remember that you are unlikely to run into that person again.
   • A party is a place to relax. Social rules are not as strict at parties as they are in other places, like work or school. Think of the strangers you meet there as your friends and peers.

[Edit]Tips

• Be a good listener. Pay attention when others are speaking, and they will include you in the conversation.
• Dress according to the occasion.
• Try to remember the names of the strangers you mingle with so you can address them by name later.
• Just be yourself. Other people like it better when you are not acting weird and cringy. Get comfortable and show them who you really are.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Socialize, Be Funny and Make Friends
• Become a Socialite
• Be Sociable
• Be Social at a Party
• Talk to a Girl Without It Getting Boring

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6595823
2. ↑ http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6595823
3. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/how-to-survive-a-party-when-you-don-t-know-anyone-1696639465
4. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/how-to-survive-a-party-when-you-don-t-know-anyone-1696639465
5. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/how-to-survive-a-party-when-you-don-t-know-anyone-1696639465
6. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/how-to-survive-a-party-when-you-don-t-know-anyone-1696639465
7. ↑ [v162169_b01]. 15 July 2022.
8. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/how-to-survive-a-party-when-you-don-t-know-anyone-1696639465
9. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/how-to-survive-a-party-when-you-don-t-know-anyone-1696639465
10. ↑ http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6595823
11. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/how-to-survive-a-party-when-you-don-t-know-anyone-1696639465
12. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/how-to-survive-a-party-when-you-don-t-know-anyone-1696639465
13. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/how-to-survive-a-party-when-you-don-t-know-anyone-1696639465
14. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/how-to-survive-a-party-when-you-don-t-know-anyone-1696639465
15. ↑ http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6595823
16. ↑ http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6595823
17. ↑ http://www.dummies.com/relationships/etiquette/party-etiquette-talking-listening-mingling/
18. ↑ [v162169_b01]. 15 July 2022.
19. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/23/smarter-living/adults-guide-to-social-skills.html
20. ↑ [v162169_b01]. 15 July 2022.
21. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/how-to-survive-a-party-when-you-don-t-know-anyone-1696639465

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