An important part of online learning is having a place where you can focus on your schoolwork, study in comfort, and feel like you’re getting things done. Follow this guide to make the best place to study at home before you decide to just sit on the couch with your laptop. After a long day at work, you grab a cup of coffee, sit down at your desk, turn on your computer to do some schoolwork, and before you know it, you’re scrolling through social media on your phone. Do you know what that is? Now that online learning is so popular, many students find it hard to pay attention in class and when they’re studying at home. You might not believe it, but where you are has a big effect on how well you can concentrate. Those who work full time or have family obligations can benefit a lot from getting their graduate degree online. However, if you don’t have a good place to study at home, you may not be able to get things done. If it takes you hours to get into the right frame of mind for school work, keep reading for ideas on how to make your study space look better.
To earn your master’s degree online, you’ll need to participate in virtual lectures, hold virtual office hours with your professors using video conferencing software, submit your assignments and take your exams digitally. It’s possible that you’ll be more efficient with your time and work better when you have a specific place to study. For some motivation, consider these study room options:
1) Make sure you have enough space
Some graduate students have trouble finding adequate living space due to sharing apartments, rooms, or even their own homes with other people. While some students are fortunate enough to have a dedicated study space, others are not so fortunate. It can be difficult to find a suitable workspace if you only have a studio or a one-bedroom apartment. Not on your bed is a hint. Consider the logistics of your situation before making a final decision on where you will do your homework and study. Can I fit a desk and a chair in this room? You may have to squeeze against the wall or a piece of furniture. A good study area should provide enough space for you to spread out your electronic devices, open your textbooks, and take notes in a notebook. Buying a desk can help you stay organized and get things done faster.
2) Make it comfortable
It’s important to have a pleasant and conducive environment in which to study, in addition to having enough room to spread out and all the tools you need to do schoolwork. It’s difficult to maintain motivation when you’re sitting in an unsuitable desk. You could try studying in bed instead of at your desk, but that’s probably not a good idea because you’ll probably end up sleeping instead. Maximize your chances of success by creating an environment you look forward to entering. Spend some time looking for a sturdy desk with plenty of space and a comfortable chair that won’t give you back pain after hours of studying. Gaming chairs are generally very comfortable, they’ll give you good back support with the added benefit of matching a lot of different kinds of room aesthetics. If you want to learn more about luxury gaming chairs, check out SpinGenie.ca.
In case it gets chilly in class, have a few blankets handy, and if it gets too hot, use a desk fan. Because everyone has a unique sense of what makes them most at ease, it’s important to pick out products, materials, and sizes that work best for you. You are the intended audience for this area. If something isn’t working, ditch it and try something new.
3) Keep it organized and clean
It’s been said that someone with a messy desk also has a messy mind. This doesn’t mean you can’t ever have anything on your desk; rather, it means you should make sure everything is neatly filed and within easy reach. Identify the materials you use most frequently and give them a permanent home. Finding a functional pen can be a hassle when taking notes; keep your writing implements (pencils, erasers, highlighters, etc.) in a desk organizer. Find a pen instantly instead of rummaging around the house. Separate folders and notebooks for each of your classes can be very useful. If you need to print out any documents, this can serve as a filing system. Don’t forget to clean up your study space by getting rid of any trash, such as used coffee cups, food wrappers, etc.
4) Use the right lighting
Did you know that your productivity can increase or decrease depending on the lighting you use? Reading or studying in low light levels has been shown to increase anxiety and impair memory retention. This has to do with the difficulty your eyes have trying to make out the text in the dim surroundings. However, overly brilliant lighting can be distracting when reflecting off of a book or computer screen, making it difficult to concentrate. Maximize your productivity during study time by adjusting the lighting. Having a reading lamp at your desk can help you focus more easily and decrease eye fatigue. The right lighting can help you set the mood for concentration and get things done.
5) Remove all distractions
One of the most challenging aspects of studying is learning to put down the phone. It’s been common experience for everyone. Self-discipline is essential for completing a graduate degree program online. You’ll have to put in the time and energy that graduate school demands, but no one will be checking in with you or reminding you to get things done. Make sure that your study area is used solely for that purpose. Put your mobile device on vibrate or silent before you settle in at your desk. The constant need to check your phone after receiving a notification should be reduced as a result of this. Use headphones or earbuds with noise cancellation if you share your home with others, such as children or roommates.
6) Buy some plants
Create a relaxing rainforest atmosphere in your study by adding plants and flowers. It may come as a surprise to learn that plants serve a purpose beyond aesthetics. The green color of plants has been shown to boost productivity and creativity. Plants help purify the air, which can alleviate headaches, tiredness, and lack of focus. Get yourself a couple succulents for your study area the next time you go out.
7) Use a white noise machine
After clearing the room of physical obstructions, you settle in to do some studying. However, just as you settle in, something distracting happens, such as your dog getting the zoomies, the birds singing, the sound of passing cars, or the appearance of crickets. Sometimes it’s not your phone that’s the distraction, but the environment around you. Some people find that noise-cancelling headphones help, while others find that white noise machines do the trick. White noise has been shown to aid concentration in the classroom; use it to study for that big test without being bothered.
8) Use an essential oil diffuser
Make the most of your time spent studying at home by incorporating aromatherapy into your study routine. Rosemary, peppermint, sage, eucalyptus, lavender, and sandalwood are just some of the essential oils that have been shown to have calming effects and aid concentration. Midterm and finals are a stressful time, but some essential oils can help you stay healthy and energized.
9) Create a to-do list
It’s stressful and anxious to try to get things done when you don’t feel like it, are overwhelmed, or can’t focus. You can get your thoughts in order and your tasks broken down if you make a list. These lists are helpful visual aids for organizing one’s day around the most important tasks. Make a list every morning of everything you need to get done that day, in order of priority. If something doesn’t get done, it can be added to tomorrow’s to-do list, and let’s be honest: it feels great to check something off your list.
10) Have a calendar nearby
Online graduate programs let you work and take care of your family while spending less time on the road. Spend less time traveling to and from school so you can devote more time to your studies. While this may sound ideal, not physically attending classes can make it easy to miss important dates like exam dates. Keep a calendar handy to record due dates, test dates, and anything else that needs to be remembered in advance. Calendars help you stay on top of everything when you have a lot on your plate.
11) Personalize it
The process of planning a study area should be enjoyable and inspiring. You won’t feel at home in your own creation if you don’t like it. As a result, finishing schoolwork becomes a daunting prospect. Avoid this by making it more unique. Make it your own by decorating it with your favorite colors and a quote that inspires you.
