Some students prefer to go to the library to do their homework because there are too many distractions at home. These include TV, video games, comics or even just a simple, comfortable bed. However, the dead silence of study rooms makes others suffer. It seems that you must sit tight, look straight at your books and keep your mouth shut. Even a bout of hiccups could be a cause of major embarrassment. Ellen Joyce Loo, member of the all-girl band At 17, thinks differently. After considering the best places to study, she came up with three recommendations for English Corner readers: School Ellen suggests that students form study groups with their classmates. Remember the old Chinese saying: Three ordinary brains work better than the brain of a genius. As a group, they can tackle problems together, she said. If students are too shy to ask a teacher in class, but have no clue about the homework, others can come to their rescue and share what they have learned. There is one more advantage in staying at school, Ellen added. 'If you have any problems, you may look for the subject teacher and seek their advice at once. 'You will feel pressure when you are studying with a group of classmates. 'It is what you need - to be pushed by fellow students. Pressure urges you to revise and gives you the motivation to work harder.' Starbucks It could be any coffee house that provides a homely atmosphere, although Ellen was referring to the Leighton Road cafe in the interview. 'People come in and go out. The flow of people is smooth and rhythmic,' she explains. 'If you are bored by your books, you can simply raise your head and look around. 'If you find someone who is also busy with their studies, you will be encouraged to continue. This shows that you are not alone! [Then] the brain will be more agile and your memory will become more efficient. You can remember [the things that you are learning] more easily. 'Besides, the atmosphere there is relatively more relaxed than that of school.' Home 'Usually there are parents at home, [and they can help you feel comfortable. A lot of Form Five students are under huge pressure. They are vulnerable to depression,'' Ellen said. 'Probably, the students have been concentrating on their schoolwork the entire day. They spend less time with their families. If they cannot get the support from their families, they will become irritated. That warmth can help students to balance their emotions and ease the stress brought on by studying.'