11 Ways to Enhance Your Study Space at Home
During exam season or when assignments come rolling in, there may be some days where you just want to stay home and study instead of bracing the cold weather to go to the library. However, many students are struggling to stay focused when studying from home. Believe it or not, the physical location you’re in has a large impact on how well you’re able to concentrate. If you find that it takes you hours just to get into the right mindset for school work, keep reading for some ideas on how to enhance your study space aesthetic.
11 Ways to enhance your study space at home
There is no doubt that you will be doing some of your school work in your living space when attending college. But when using this space for multiple purposes, it's important to separate relax time and study time. When you create a dedicated study space to complete all of these tasks, you may find that you become more productive and use your time more efficiently. Check out these study space ideas for some inspiration:
1) Make sure you have enough space
Space is a rare commodity for some students who are living in dorms, sharing space with roommates, or living at home and sharing space with family. Some students have their own room designated just for work, but others don’t have that ability. If you live in a studio or one bedroom, you may be wondering where you’ll even set up your computer. Hint: it’s not on your bed.
When trying to decide where you’ll complete assignments and study, think about it in a practical way first. Is there enough space for a desk and a chair? Will you be cramped up against a wall or dresser? A proper study space should have enough room for you to use your computer or laptop, open textbooks, and take notes in a notebook...all at the same time. It may be worth investing in a desk so you can accomplish all your tasks with ease.
2) Make it comfortable
Along with having enough space to spread out with all the tools you need to do school work, you should ensure your study space is comfortable and inviting. Sitting at a desk with an uncomfortable desk can make it hard for you to stay motivated. Instead of working at the desk, you may be inclined to try and study in bed — be sure to set an alarm because chances are you’ll fall asleep. The general rule of thumb is to stay away from your bed while trying to be productive. Your brain associates your bed with sleep and rest. When you try to work from your bed, you're actually giving your brain conflicting signals on what it should be doing. So while a bed is comfy, it's not an ideal work space.
Give yourself the highest chance at success by setting up a space that you won’t dread. Take some time to search for a reliable desk with lots of space and a chair that provides good support and won’t leave you achy after those long study sessions. Keep a couple blankets close by in case it gets cold, and maybe even a desk fan for those hot summer class days. You may even want to consider using a standing desk to help streatch and reduce stiffness in your neck and back.
Everyone has a different level of comfort — choose the products, materials, and sizes that are best for you. This space is after all for YOU. If something doesn’t work, don’t be afraid to change things up.
3) Keep it organized and clean
You know what they say; “A cluttered desk is a cluttered mind.” Now, this doesn't mean you can’t ever have anything on your desk, it simply suggests that you keep papers and supplies organized and easily accessible. Think about the supplies you use most often and create a designated spot for everything. Trying to find a working pen can be a hassle when writing study guides and taking notes — use a desk organizer for pens, pencils, erasers, and highlighters. Also remember to throw away old disposable coffee mugs, food wrappers, and any other litter that’s been accumulating in your study area. You’ll never have to search for a pen again.
4) Use the right lighting
Did you know the type of lighting you use can actually make you more or less productive? Studies have shown that studying or reading in dim lighting can increase feelings of anxiety and make it harder to retain information. This has to do with your eyes straining to see the words in poor lighting. However, bright lighting that is too harsh may prevent you from focusing as it is distracting when bouncing off a book or computer screen. Make the most of your study sessions by using just the right amount of light. Placing a reading lamp on your desk can improve concentration and reduce eye strain. When using proper lighting, you can actually create a calming atmosphere that encourages productivity.
5) Eliminate distractions
Admit it, one of the hardest things about studying is having the ability to stay off your phone. Everyone’s been there. Make your designated study space just that, a place to study. Before you sit down at your desk, turn your smart phone on silent or vibrate. This will help eliminate the urge to check your phone every time you receive a notification. If you live with others, whether that be roommates or your family, consider using noise cancelling earbuds or headphones.
While mobile phones and tablets are typically the biggest distractions, there are others. Pets, roommates, family, video games, and television are also common distractions that make it difficult for students to concentrate on studying. Set up your study and school work materials in a quiet location where you won't easily lose focus. If possible, shut the door and let others know you would like some alone time to get work done. And although it's hard, you may even want to leave your pets outside of your room or studying space so you aren't tempted to play.
6) Buy some plants
Transform your study space into a tranquil jungle with plants and flowers. You may be surprised to hear that plants do more than just add decoration to your area. Research has found that due to their green color, plants facilitate creativity and productivity. Plants also clean that air which can aid in reducing headaches, fatigue, and lack of concentration. So the next time you're out, grab a succulent or two for your designated study space.
7) Use a white noise machine
You've gotten rid of physical distractions and you’re finally ready to sit down and do school work until...your dog decides to have the zoomies, birds start chirping, cars are driving, or crickets come out. Environmental factors can sometimes be just as distracting as your phone. While noise canceling headphones may do the trick for some, others may prefer white noise machines. White noise is proven to help you concentrate while studying or doing school work — prep for your exam without being interrupted.
8) Use an essential oil diffuser
Study at home effectively by implementing aromatherapy into your schooling routine. Essential oils such as rosemary, peppermint, sage, eucalyptus, lavender, and sandalwood have calming properties that are known to reduce anxiety and improve focus. Some essential oils also boost your immune system and give you the extra energy needed during midterms and finals.
9) Create a to-do list
At to get things done when you’re lacking motivation, stressed, or having trouble concentrating can cause even more stress and anxiety. Creating a to-do list allows you to organize your thoughts and break down what has to be completed. These lists are a great visual so you can plan the day knowing what to prioritize.
At the beginning of each morning, write down what you need to accomplish that day starting with the most important tasks. Anything that doesn’t get done can be moved to the next day’s list — and let’s be honest, crossing off an item on your list is so satisfying.
10) Have a calendar nearby
When you're taking a full course load of courses, it can be easy to forget when things a due for each assignments. You may find yourself focusing all your attention on a Physics exam and then realize you neglected to study for a Bio exam. Don’t let deadlines creep up on you — keep a calendar nearby to write down when assignments are due, when your exams are, and other important information. You should also consider creating an outline for your study sessions to ensure you put aside enough time for each task without missing anything. When you’re trying to juggle so many things at once, calendars keep you organized and scheduled.
11) Personalize it
Designing a study space should ultimately be a fun and creative project. If you don’t love the space you create, you aren’t going to want to spend any time in it. This makes the task of doing course work dreadful. Avoid this by personalizing it. Choose colors that you find relaxing or inspiring, put your favorite motivational quote up, and make it your own.
Put your newly designed study area to use with NJIT
Ready to put these study tips to use? NJIT offers 122 degree programs through six professional schools and colleges. Get started on your academic journey and apply today.