11 Ways to Set Up a More Effective Study Space

For many of us, it’s midterm season; soon will come finals season; and then we’ll do it all over again. Whether you’re trying to maximise your studying ability for a test or a big project at work, you need a good place to sit down and read, cram, write — whatever.

You should set aside a special place to get your studying done and establish a routine to do it. There are some easy ways to turn any spot into the perfect studying oasis, so let’s go through a few.

Make it specialised

To the extent possible, all you should do in your study space is study and all your studying should be within your study space. This will help you get into a pattern of recognising that when you’re sitting there, you’re engaged in study mode. According to Joyce University of Nursing & Health Sciences, this designation is pretty key, and you should also try to make the space as private as possible, whether that means letting roommates know not to talk to you while you’re there, slapping on some big headphones, or putting up some kind of barrier.

Choose your location smartly

We’ll go over different location-based elements you need to keep in mind when carving out your study space, like making sure it has enough room for you to spread out your stuff and has some natural light, but it’s important to keep your space somewhere that also has access to what you need in a technological sense. The first thing to keep in mind when picking a spot, per the University of Minnesota, is how good the internet connection is. If you get spotty wifi in your kitchen, don’t designate that as your study spot because waiting on pages to load will only give your mind time to wander. And that leads us to…

Leave your phone far away

Your study space is probably going to be teched-out, which is fine, but you should try to avoid having your phone nearby unless you really need it for something. Use the “do not disturb” function on your computer and phone if necessary, but according to Maryville University, you should have a space that’s distraction-free.

Keep it comfy and cosy

One benefit to studying at home is you have all the associated comforts at your disposal. Per Maryville, you should use them: “Remember that your study space needs to be comfortable for it to be effective.” Suffering on a hard chair or in a cold room isn’t going to help you retain information, so take some time before you settle in to make yourself comfortable. Grab a pillow, hot chocolate, a diffuser — whatever gently pleases your various senses.

Don’t get cramped

Stand up and stretch from time to time, but be sure the space you set aside for studying has space. Having all your notes and books piled on top of each other won’t help you access them efficiently and being cooped up is no good for your focus. As Maryville University notes, “A study space should have an appropriate amount of learning space for students to be able to accomplish their work. If you need to use a laptop, multiple textbooks, and a notebook, you should have enough room to use all three simultaneously. If this means that you need a larger desk, it may be worth investing in one.”

Pay attention to your lighting

At my school, we have a huge room just for studying, and all the desks come with personal outlets and cute little lamps. Why do we need these lamps when there are lights overhead and walls full of windows? Because figuring out what kind of light works best for you is important. Maryville and Joyce both suggest studying in natural light when you can, but finding what lighting is best for you otherwise. Per Joyce, “Eye strain can occur if you try to read or focus on a computer screen for too long in a dimly lit area.” Grab a cheap lamp if you need more light and spend some time considering which kind of lightbulb you like best, whether it’s bright white or calm yellow.

Cater to your body

In addition to being comfortable, you also need to be positioned right to study. Joyce University notes that posture is very important here, so make sure your space is conducive to having a good one. Research ergonomic chairs and invest in one if you need to, but what you basically need to remember is this: Your feet should be flat on the floor with your knees at 90-degree angles, and you should be able to rest your forearms on the table so your joints don’t get stressed.

Stock the space

You won’t get much done if you have to keep getting up to go find a highlighter or an old notebook, so before you get cracking on your next project, take stock of what you’ll need and make it available to you, according to Scholastic. Joyce University recommends keeping only your daily-use items within reach and storing everything else off the desk entirely.

Make it a little personal

Scholastic recommends personalizing a study space just a bit, since you “may as well enjoy it” and photos or mementos could even inspire you in your projects. Awards, accolades, or reminders of past good work can also be inspirational.

Utilise some noise

While we’ve reviewed the value of privacy and a lack of distraction, there is a place for some noise in your studying. Herzing University suggests strategically using headphones for study purposes, whether you’re drowning out distractions with some light music or listening to recorded lectures while you review your notes.

Think about your background

If you take online classes or work remotely, this study space will probably be where you sit when you’re appearing on Zoom. Make sure that your lighting and background look professional, no matter how crazed your (out-of-sight) desk looks, to boost your confidence and maintain the facade that you’re doing just fine, thank you.