Setting up the right environment is imperative to effective study. You’ll need to find the right space and equip yourself with the right tools so you can stay focused and comfortable. Below are our top tips and study space ideas so you can create your perfect study area at home.

Find a Private Space

Ideally, you’ll be able to set up your study space in a room that has a door, so you can reduce distractions. If that’s not an option for you, you can create a private space by cordoning off an area. Set up your desk and chair and then use bookshelves or room dividers to separate them from the rest of the room. Using bookshelves can have the added benefit of providing storage or filing for your study notes and textbooks.

If you have to set up your study space in a shared room in the house, make sure people know when they can and can’t disturb you when you’re at your desk. This can be as simple as putting a sign on your desk that indicates when you should be left alone and when you’re open to talking.

Only Use the Space to Study

Once you’ve found the right area for your study space, you should try to only keep it for studying. If you use it for hobbies or other projects, or if you let others in your household use it for their own work, it might be harder to focus on studying. You could find your study space gets cluttered with non-study items which cause a distraction when it comes time to focus.

Having a separation between study and other things will also help you to create a boundary. You’ll be able to focus on your studying when you’re at your workstation, and, hopefully, leave the study behind when you finish for the day. If you study in the same space as you relax, you might find that you can’t switch off from work. This can result in you becoming overworked and burnt out, so you should aim to have a separate space to relax.

 

 

Think about Ergonomics

However small your study area, you should consider ergonomics when setting up your equipment. You should avoid working on your bed or sofa – not only will this blur the boundaries between your study and personal life, but it will also mean you work in an uncomfortable posture, which could cause injuries. Start with a suitable desk and ergonomic office chair. Try to avoid working for long periods of time at a dining table with a dining chair, as this won’t provide the right lumbar support.

There is a range of ergonomic office equipment you can include in your study area to help you work comfortably for long periods of time. A sit-stand desk converter is great for keeping you moving whilst you study, preventing you from working in one position for too long.  You can also use an active sitting ball to encourage back and core movement whilst you study. A foot rest and seat cushion will both help you to study in the correct posture, whilst also keeping you comfortable. 

Keep it Organised

Keeping your study area free of clutter will help you to stay focused and study most effectively. Make sure you have the right study tools to keep yourself organised. You might want storage boxes to keep your items tidied away whilst they’re not in use. A pen pot can help to keep your desk organised whilst also keeping your tools in easy reach. Magazine files and letter trays can help you to keep your study notes and revision cards organised.  

A whiteboard can be a great addition to your study area, offering a place to note down your revision timetable, as well as a calendar with exam dates. You can also include key facts you need to remember as well as anything else that will help you with exam revision. A wall clock will also help you to work productively, giving you a visual reminder of how long you’ve been studying and when it’s time to take a break. This will give you a chance to reset so you can return to your studies energised and able to work more productively. Our silent wall clocks don’t have a ticking sound, helping you to stay focused as you study. 

 

 

Remove Distractions

You’ll want a study space that encourages you to focus. So, think about what the common things are that distract you from your study. It could be your phone, TV, video games, or a hobby. Try to keep them out of your study area so you can minimise distractions whilst you work.

If you need to use a laptop or your phone to study, look for apps that block you from using websites and other apps that aren’t study-related. This will help you to stay focused and be productive.

Get Suitable Lighting

If possible, your study space should have as much natural light as possible. This will help you to feel awake and focused on your studies as well as preventing eye strain. Setting up your desk next to a window will help to let the most amount of natural light into the area.

If it’s not possible to set up your study area by a window, make sure your space has plenty of light by using lamps. Lights with a dimmer switch are ideal, as they will give you the most control over how much light there is. This will ensure you have plenty of light to study without being affected by glare.

 

 

Control Noise Levels

Different people will have different ideal noise levels for studying. You might need background noise in order to focus or you might need complete silence. If your study area is in a separate room, it will be easier for you to control the noise levels. If you’re studying in a shared space, you might need to invest in some noise-cancelling headphones so you can concentrate. You might not be able to focus on your studies whilst you listen to music but listening to white noise or nature sounds can help to block out sounds from around your home so you can concentrate better.

 

 

Add Personal Touches

Finally, when setting up your study space, you should remember to include some personal touches. You’ll want the space to be inviting and welcoming, to help with your study motivation. Try adding some calming art, uplifting photos, or candles with your favourite scents. Studying can be stressful so find pieces that create a relaxing, peaceful environment.

At the same time, you don’t want to become overwhelmed with visual clutter, as this will just cause a distraction when you’re studying. Pick a few key items to add to your study space and keep it minimal. Along with, or instead of, art, you might want to include any awards or certificates you’ve received as part of your education. This can help to provide even more motivation whilst you study and can give encouragement during times when you might be struggling.

 

Leitz has a range of study tools to help you learn effectively in a calming, productive environment.

Read more about studying at home:

How to Study Effectively at Home

How to Minimise Distractions When Working from Home