Essential Tips for Creating a Friendly Learning Home Study Space

Do you struggle with studying? Do you fall asleep in bed while attempting to learn about the medieval period, or become distracted by things around the dining room table when you’re supposed to be concentrating on the periodic table?

Finding a nicer study space could be the solution. You can carve out your study space and make yourself a better-studying paradise with the correct tools, some preparation and organization, and a personal touch, which may boost your outcomes.

What is a Good Study Space?

Having the best study spaces or rooms involves several basic necessities. There must be a desk or desk, a chair, power, Internet connectivity if needed, and a good lighting device such as a lamp or a properly placed ceiling light.

It’s best to have the room warm to have a comfortable study environment when studying.

So, How to Make a Study Space?

A study space can be a home office, an attic nook, a dedicated space under a kitchen table, or a section of a bedroom or living room for those with restricted living space.

Creating a dedicated room may be an excellent option if you are easily distracted and struggle to focus in the presence of other distractions such as television, smartphone notifications, and social media accounts.

If you benefit from studying in silence, develop a routine of shutting off your music and setting your phone to silent mode. Here are some tips to get you started.

Stocking Your Space

You should feel at ease, but not so at ease that you lose concentration or nod off. You also need enough space to spread out (it turns out that your bed isn’t the best place for schoolwork).

• Find a workstation or table with a top that, when you sit at it, rests midway between your waist and ribcage so that your elbows can rest comfortably there without forcing your shoulders forward. Additionally, you should be able to lay your feet flat on the floor.
• Use a chair that is comfy and fits the desk or table. If the more fancy desk chairs would merely serve as distractions, you might want to avoid getting them.
• If you’re using a computer, make sure you have enough room for it to be between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 feet away from you.

Ensure adequate lighting

Too much darkness in a study space can worsen eye strain and make it easier to fall asleep, both of which will hinder any productive study space or session.

Even harsh lighting, like fluorescent lighting, can harm your eyes. Use a small desk lamp, to direct light toward your workspace.

You may also brighten the area with a nearby table or overhead light.

• Utilize any available natural light if you have access to it. However, while a window’s natural lighting can be peaceful and refreshing, resisting the need to peer out may prevent you from getting the most out of your study time. Consider using translucent blinds or drapes, or turn your face away from the window.

Gather your supplies

To avoid wasting time looking for a ruler or more pencil leads, make sure you have everything you need for studying close at hand.

• Keep standard school supplies like pencils or pens, paper, notecards, highlighters, and so forth in designated spots on the desk or in a handy drawer.
• Despite the fact that your phone can presumably do the functions of all three, keep a traditional pocket dictionary, thesaurus, and calculator close by. When using your phone for tasks like spell-checking or long division, you run the risk of getting sidetracked by the myriad of other things you can do with it.

Keep things organized

Use the desk drawers to make storage space and store items you need nearby but not dispersed across the desktop.

Use boxes, small crates, etc. that you can stack on the desktop around the edge of your computer screen study area if you don’t have enough (or any) drawers.

• Sort your study materials into folders or binders according to the course or subject. Each should be carefully marked, and then stored for convenient access.
• Use wall calendars, cork tiles, and bulletin boards to arrange your tasks and notes.
• See How to Organize Your Desk for more suggestions.

Organize your computer files, too

Being organized should apply to both your online learning and real surroundings. Have you ever tried to locate a draft of an essay you were writing but were unsuccessful?

Or did you misplace the notes you needed to take to prepare for your psychic test and are unable to locate them?

Set up distinct folders for every class or subject, and keep all of your files organized.

• In order to find anything using the search tool, precisely label everything. Avoid cutesy names and choose titles that are descriptive. Label drafts as well!

Consider a clock

Depending on the kind of person you are, this may be.

Will a clock encourage you to continue studying for an additional hour or prompt you to take a break to watch your favorite show in just 15 minutes?

• To make time-related study goals, try utilizing a clock. To assist you with doing this, you can also use the clock or timer function on your phone or watch. Choose a “chunk” of time, like 30 minutes, to study. For that time, don’t let anything divert your attention.
• If you are studying for a timed test like the SAT or ACT, you might also want to try using a timer for even more accurate timekeeping.
• Go digital if the sound of an analog clock bothers you.

Eliminating Distractions

Reduce desk clutter

This relates to the requirement for appropriate desk organization, but it also means that you must keep an eye on the clutter of papers, pens, open books, and other items that may amass on your workstation as you create a study there.

Your study session will suffer if you feel overwhelmed and stressed out due to an excessive amount of clutter.

• Taking brief study breaks is a good idea along the road, so when you do, take a moment to organize your workplace before continuing.
• Unnecessary distractions might result from excessive clutter. Only keep what you now need in front of you. A messy work area may reflect in the thoughts.

Avoid your phone

When studying, it might be challenging to resist the allure of your phone.

Perhaps the greatest tool and ultimate distraction is the contemporary smartphone.

Put the phone away when you’re studying so you don’t accidentally start surfing Facebook or sending a pal a text.

• To avoid being distracted from your studies by notification chimes, turn off or put your phone on do not disturb mode. Additionally, try putting it far enough away so that you won’t automatically reach for it.
• Consider switching your phone to airplane mode, which disables wireless and cellular connections, if you are using it as a calculator or other utility. You can reactivate them during your (short) study breaks.

Block out distracting sounds

Some people thrive on “white noise,” or background noises that aren’t actually distinct enough to be distracting, like those in a coffee shop.

Others require complete silence in order to concentrate. Decide what suits you most, and design your area accordingly.

• The illusion of “multitasking” No matter how much you may believe you are “really” a multitasker, you just cannot watch TV or browse Facebook while doing your homework. Save things like TV and music for your free time and devote all of your study time to learning.
• Try to drown out any potential distractions by creating your own background noise if your study location is adjacent to a thin wall or a room where someone is watching TV, conversing, or doing something else that could be distracting.
• Pick something relaxing, such as white noise or rain sounds; you may get samples of these on websites and applications. Try light classical music or at least anything without lyrics if you like music. Something that eliminates audio distractions without turning into one is what you need.
• If you have a choice, avoid using headphones. Many people tend to have trouble focusing and remembering information when using them, maybe because the sound does not disappear into the background as easily.

Use the space only for studying

You’ll be more likely to be tempted to consider (or actually sleep) if your study area is your bed.

If you play video games on your computer there, you might also eat at the dining room table there, and so on. You’re more inclined to make unhelpful associations.

• If you can create an area that is solely for studying, whether it be a nook, a niche, a sizable closet, etc., do it. Associate learning with the only reason you were there.
• Make every effort to convert the multifunctional room into a study space if this isn’t an option. Food, dishes, decorations, etc. should be removed from the dining room table. Put away your video games, scrapbooking materials, and other items.

Avoid snacking while studying

Studying is demanding work, but you must use caution. When studying, it’s simple to eat yourself into oblivion.

In particular, junk food is not a good idea. Pick fresh fruits, veggies, or whole-grain snacks like crackers if you must keep some snacks on hand.

• When studying, try to limit your intake of coffee and sweets. These may give you a restless feeling and cause “crashes” later.
• Consider conserving your snacks for your study break. It’s a good way to honor yourself for a job well done and you’ll be more conscious of what you’re consuming.
• However, pay attention to your body’s needs. Give yourself a certain period of time before you replenish your coffee, or schedule a meal or snack break. By doing this, you look after both your body and mind.

Personalizing Your Study Space

Make it yours

Locate your study place as best you can in a convenient location.

Find a hidden spot, an attic, a cellar, a spare bedroom, or wherever you can if you require complete silence.

Locate it close to, but not inside, a hub of activity if you desire some sound.

• If the place can’t constantly be your designated study spot, make sure to let people know when it is. Make a “Do Not Disturb,” “Quiet, please,” or “Hey, knock it off — I’m studying here!” sign if you choose. Depending on your personality, “sign to post.”

Decorate to motivate

You could find it easier to not stay organized and motivated if you decorate your study area with essential signs, posters, and images.

Just watch out that they don’t start acting more as distractions than inspiration.

• Determine the type of motivation that works best for you. a photo of your loved ones or a pet? A picture of the car you want to buy once you graduate and pass these tests? copies of your previous chemistry tests, on which you performed poorly and which you are determined to improve? To keep you motivated, decide whether you need more of a “push” or a “pull” (or if you prefer, a carrot or stick).
• As in the case of a dining room table or shared area, decorating the space also makes it obvious that it is yours, even if only briefly. For your study sessions, bring a few inspiring trinkets that you can quickly pack up when you’re done.

Appeal to your senses

If you can incorporate color into your study area, bear in mind that cooler hues, such as blue, purple, and green, tend to evoke thoughts of harmony and balance, while warmer hues, such as red, yellow, and orange, tend to evoke activity and even restlessness.

• Therefore, if you have a tendency to become unduly worried before tests, think about using a cool color scheme for home décor; if you need a kick in the pants to motivate you to study, choose a warmer color scheme.
• But don’t neglect your other senses. Some aromas, like those of lemon, lavender, jasmine, rosemary, cinnamon, and peppermint, seem to improve some people’s moods and productivity. A variety of scented candles and essential oils should be tried.
• If you can’t bring yourself to choose white noise, rain sounds, or classical music as your background music during a study session, pick something you are very familiar with instead. Make a playlist with songs you’ve heard a million times before since they are more likely to become background noise than a new smash that beckons you to sing along.

Don’t go overboard

Keep in mind that a study area is there for students to make your studying more efficient.

You will be doing yourself a favor if you take too long trying to arrange your room perfectly and wind up considerably cutting down on the real effective study space and time.

Even a study area designed to minimize interruptions can turn into one.

• Remember: Studying in a less-than-ideal environment is preferable to not studying at all.

Unlock Your Potential: Transform Your Study Space

Your study space at home should be a canvas for your thoughts to flourish.

Explore a spectrum of colors, themes, and designs that resonate with your personality.

Imprint offers customizable options to ensure your study area reflects your unique style.

Resources

Admin, Admin. “The Importance of a Dedicated Study Area | EZ Living.” EZ Living Interiors, 22 May 2018, www.ezlivinginteriors.co.uk/interior-design-inspiration/the-importance-of-a-dedicated-study-area.

Pacificacompanies. “Tips to Create a Dedicated Study Space – Pacifica Companies.” Pacifica Companies, 2 Jan. 2021, pacificacompanies.co.in/healthy-lifestyle/why-should-you-have-a-dedicated-study-area.

Living, Real. “7 Essentials for a Study Area.” realliving.com.ph, June 2015, www.realliving.com.ph/shopping-services/7-essentials-for-a-study-area.