11 Ways to Enhance Your Study Space at Home
After a tiring day at the office, you grab a cup of coffee, sit down at your desk, open your computer to do some school work, and before you know it you’re scrolling through social media on your phone. Does that sound familiar? In a time when online learning is so popular, many students are struggling to stay focused when attending classes and 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. Earning your graduate degree online can be very beneficial to those who work full time or have family obligations, but if you don’t have a good study space at home, you may find it impossible to get things done.
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
Pursuing your master’s degree online means attending class virtually, meeting with professors over video conferencing tools, taking exams and quizzes online, and doing all of your assignments on the computer. 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 graduate students who are living in apartments, 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, you should ensure your study space is comfortable and inviting. Sitting at a desk with an uncomfortable chair 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.
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.
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 taking notes — use a desk organizer for pens, pencils, erasers, and highlighters. You’ll never have to search for a pen again.
For your classes, it can be helpful to have different folders and notebooks for each one. This can act as a “filing” system for any papers you may have to print out. Also remember to throw away old disposable coffee mugs, food wrappers, and any other litter that’s been accumulating in your study area.
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) Remove all distractions
Admit it, one of the hardest things about studying is having the ability to stay off your phone. Everyone’s been there. Earning your graduate degree online takes a lot of self discipline. You’ll be responsible for completing assignments on your own time without reminders, but you’ll also have to put in the amount of effort and focus graduate school requires. 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 children, consider using noise canceling earbuds or headphones.
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
Trying 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
Attending graduate school online gives you flexibility to work, tend to family responsibilities, and cut down on travel. More time can be spent studying rather than commuting to and from campus. Although this sounds fantastic, it can be easy to forget about important deadlines and exam dates when you’re not physically going to class.
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. 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
Spending time doing course work and studying is inevitable during any online learning program. Whether you’re studying civil engineering online or pursuing an online graduate certificate, you need a space that will allow you to focus solely on the task at hand to ensure you’re retaining the information you’re learning. Once you have that area complete, it’s time to get started on your career path.
At NJIT, you can choose from over 40 master’s degree and certificate programs all completely online. Find the program that’s right for you, apply, and start earning your degree toward your professional future.