6 Top Tips: Creating a positive and productive study space!
Where do you like to study? Maybe you like having absolute silence in a library, bedroom or home office? Or maybe you prefer studying in a bustling café, or whilst playing music?
Everybody prefers a different working environment, however, no matter where you prefer to study, it is vital to ensure that your chosen space is set up in a way that can maximise your comfort and ensure a productive study session.
This blog focuses on the 6 top Tutti tips to help you create a positive and productive home study space.
If you have any further questions about study tips, please contact us with your questions!
As the new academic year approaches, it’s time to get that study space set up!
1. Light it up
It is distracting and tiring for your eyes if you have to squint to read your notes or look at your computer screen.
Use a combination of overhead light and desk lamp light to ensure that your study space is well-lit so you can see your screen, books and notes easily. If you can, placing your desk by a window is a good way to ensure you can make the most of natural daylight and fresh air.
TUTTI TOP TIP: If, like me, you get headaches after working on a screen for a long time, then blue light glasses are great! They block out the harmful ‘white light’ that is harmful to your eyes, eradicating headaches and tired eyes!
2. Spread it out
Not all study spaces are very big, but if you can, try and make sure that your desk has enough space for different kinds of work.
A good way of doing this is to set up your laptop or computer to one side of the desk to make room for written work, too.
A spacious desk allows you to spread your work out so that you can see and read it easily. Being able to spread out your work means that your desk looks cleaner and tidier, and less cluttered.
TUTTI TOP TIP: Avoid putting things on your desk that will clutter it up and discourage you from using it. Keep your desk minimalistic so that you can keep it clear and always be ready!
3. Stock it up
What do you use for studying? Pens, pencils, post-its, highlighters? Make sure you have all the supplies you need on or very near your desk, so you don’t have to leave your desk to search for them!
Having a variety of supplies such as coloured pens, biros, highlighters, and even various notebooks can actually make studying more enjoyable, and your notes will be much more entertaining to read if they are colourful!
A ‘desk-tidy’ is a great way to organise your supplies, keep your desk tidy and easily access your stationery essentials. You’ll have a pencil case for school, so you can use this too!
TUTTI TOP TIP: You’ll have a pencil case for school, but it is useful to have a pen pot or desk tidy with supplies in too, so you have 2 sets of stationery – one ‘portable’ pencil case, and a ‘permanent’ pot that can stay on your desk, ready to use!
4. Organise it
A pretty desk alone won’t ensure those top grades. While it is important to have a clear and tidy study space, it is important that you stay organised and on top of your work.
One good way to do this is to use a planner, to-do list, or calendar to keep up with important tasks and dates. Our academic consultations can help with this!
TUTTI TOP TIP: A bulletin board on the wall above your desk allows you to see your tasks without cluttering up the desk space. Keeping your desk and notes tidy by using boxes, shelves, or organisers is important too.
Tutti’s first study series on Productivity has more information about organisation – how to time block, stay focused and organise your work! If you need some support with scheduling, setting goals and staying productive, we are here to help! Get in touch!
5. Decorate it
Creating a study space that is fun and positive, however, is just as important as keeping it organised!
Hang some posters or pictures on the wall above your desk, or decorate the desk itself with cool accessories like clocks, candles or plants. Make your study space your own!
TUTTI TOP TIP: If you have a small study space, keep the desk itself as clear as possible, and use the walls and space around your desk to personalise your study space!
6. “De-distract” it
Ensure your desk is a space without distractions. Study smarter by removing those little distractions before you work.
I call this “de-distracting” your study space. Ensure your phone is on the other side of the room, or even left downstairs, turn off anything like TV programmes or music that will end up distracting you. If you prefer to study with music, play it quietly.
TUTTI TOP TIP: If you get distracted by your phone or by distractions on your laptop, then you can download apps that encourage you to focus.
Many of them will block you from social media or entertainment-based websites on your computer for a certain period of time, which completely takes away the possibility of online distractions.
There are loads of phone apps too, like Forest and Study Bunny (my personal favourites), where you unlock new features and earn points as you go, which can make focusing and studying more of a game!