How to Create a Space for Study: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 10:50

Do you have learning difficulties? Do you fall asleep in bed trying to study the Middle Ages, or busy with distractions around the dinner table when you should be focusing on the periodic table? Having a better study space could be the answer. With the right tools, some planning and organization, and a personal touch, you can create a better place to study, which can increase your grades.

Step

Part 1 of 3: Organizing Your Space

Step 1. Find a study desk (or regular desk) and a good chair

You need to be comfortable, but not so comfortable that you lose focus or fall asleep. (As it turns out, the bed is not the best choice for doing homework). You also need a study space that is adequate and spacious enough for yourself.

• Find a study table or a regular desk with the top about waist-high and your ribs when sitting, so your elbows can rest on the table without pushing your shoulders forward. You should also be able to place your feet flat on the surface.

• Use a comfortable chair that fits the height of the table. You probably don't need a more luxurious chair with swivel, roll, recline, raise, etc. functions, if those functions are just a distraction.

  

• If you use a computer, you will need sufficient space to place it at a distance of about 45 to 76 cm from your body.

Step 2. Ensure adequate lighting

A study that is too dark will not only make it easier for you to fall asleep, but it can also exacerbate eye fatigue, which will ruin any study session. Sharp lighting, such as fluorescent lighting, can also have a negative effect on your eyes. Use a desk lamp to focus light on the study, as well as a table lamp or a ceiling lamp to make the room brighter.

If natural light is available, of course, take advantage of it. However, know that while natural light coming in through a window can be refreshing and relaxing, the temptation to stare out the window can hinder your learning. Consider placing see-through blinds or blinds, or looking away from windows

Step 3. Gather equipment

Make sure you have all the supplies you need for studying nearby, so you don't waste time looking for a ruler or pencil refill.

• Store your usual school supplies such as pens or pencils, erasers, note cards, colored markers, and so on in a special section on your desk or in a handy drawer.
• Keep a regular pocket dictionary, thesaurus, and calculator nearby, even though your phone may have all three functions. Using your phone to do long division or check spelling opens up the possibility of distraction from other things you can do with your phone.

Step 4. Keep things organized

Take advantage of desk drawers to store items that need to be near you but don't spread them across the table. If you don't have enough drawers (or no drawers at all), use boxes, chests, etc. which you can stack on desks around your study.

• Organize study materials by course/subject in folders or binders. Mark each folder/binder clearly and keep it easy to reach.
• You can also organize assignments and notes using wall magazines, corkboards, and wall calendars.
• For more ideas, check out this article on how to set up your desk.

Step 5. Tidy up your computer files too

Having a good arrangement also has to do with your online stuff as well as what's around you physically. Have you ever searched for a draft of an essay you wrote, but couldn't find it? Or have you lost the notes you need to study for your psychology exam because you forgot where to save them? Create specific folders for each class or subject, then save the folders in the right places.

Label items so you can use the search feature to find them. Leave out cute names instead of descriptive titles. And label the draft

Step 6. Consider putting a clock

It depends on what kind of person you are. Will the clock motivate you to keep studying for an hour or more, or remind yourself that your favorite show is 15 minutes away (or make you think “I've only been studying that long?!”)?

• Try using the clock to set time-related study goals. You can also use the clock or timer on your phone or watch to help with this. Decide to study in “piece-by-piece” times, such as 30 minutes. Don't let yourself be distracted during this time. When the time is up, use a little time to reward yourself!
• You can also try a timer for even more accurate timing, especially if you're preparing for a timed exam like the SPMB or SNMPTN.

• If the ticking sound of ancient clock hands bothers you, opt for a digital clock.

  

Part 2 of 3: Eliminate Distractions

Step 1. Reduce clutter on the table

This relates to having to set the desk well, but also means you need to keep the paper, pens, open books, and so on that can pile up in the study room while you study. Being too messy can leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed, which will ruin your study session.

• Besides, it's a good idea to take a number of short breaks throughout your study session, so while you're at it, take the time to tidy up your desk before continuing.
• Things that are too messy can cause unnecessary distractions. Put only the things you need in front of you. A messy study room can make a messy mind.

Step 2. Keep away from the phone

It's hard to ignore the temptation of your cell phone while studying. The modern smartphone is perhaps the most sophisticated tool as well as the most sophisticated distraction. Put it away while you're studying, or you could find yourself browsing Facebook or texting a friend without even realizing you have your phone in your hand.

• Turn off your phone or choose a silent mode setting to keep the temptation of ringing notifications from distracting you from study time. Also try to place them out of reach so you can't pick them up on reflex.

  

• If you use your phone as a calculator or other function, consider selecting an “airplane mode” setting which will turn off wireless and cellular connections. You can return it to normal settings at your (short) study break.

Step 3. Block out annoying noises

Some people can use “white noise”, a coffee shop-like background sound that doesn't stand out so much as to be distracting. Others need a truly quiet atmosphere to study. Find out what works for you, and plan your study space accordingly.

• “Multitasking” is a myth. You can't just watch TV or browse Facebook and study at the same time, no matter how great you are at being a "true" multitasking person. Focus your study time on studying, and save things like TV or music for leisure time.
• If you share your study with another room or are separated by a thin wall from a TV room that someone is currently using, or where people are chatting or other possible distractions, try blocking out distractions with your own background sound.
• Try choosing something like the sound of rain or white noise; there are websites and apps with sound samples like this. If you prefer music, try some light classical music or at least something that has no lyrics. You need something that removes noise but doesn't become a distraction itself.

• Don't use headphones if you can choose. Headphones seem to impede focus and information retention for many people, perhaps because the sound doesn't blend into the background easily.

  

Step 4. Use the space only for studying

If the study is your bed, you'll be more tempted to think about (or actually) sleep. If the study room was where you played computer games, you would think about playing; if it was a dining table, you would think about eating; etc. You're more likely to make annoying connections.

• If it's possible for you to take up space-even a corner, corner of the room, a large closet, etc.-for studying, do so. Associate your being there only with learning.
• If this isn't an option, do what you can to turn a multipurpose room into a study. Remove food, plates, decorations, etc., from the dining table. Get rid of your computer games, scrapbook supplies, and so on.

Step 5. Avoid snacking while studying

Studying is a difficult and hungry undertaking, but you have to be careful. It's easy to overeat when you're seriously reading a book. Fast food in particular is a bad idea. If there are snacks nearby, opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, or whole-grain snacks like crackers.

• Try to avoid consuming too much sugar and caffeine while studying. This can make you feel restless and cause your body to “fall over” later.
• Try saving your snacks for a study break. You'll be more aware of what you're eating, and it's a great way to reward yourself for studying well.
• But don't neglect your body's needs. Set yourself a time off to eat or snack, or give yourself a certain amount of time before going back to coffee. This way, you can take care of your mind and body.

Part 3 of 3: Making Your Study Room Feel Personal

Step 1. Make the study space feel like your own

Try to determine the location of the study room in the part of the room that suits you. If you need a truly quiet setting, look for a secluded corner, loft, basement, guest bedroom, whatever you can find. If you prefer less noise, set a location near (but not directly inside) the part of the room where the activity is taking place.

If the location doesn't always turn out to be a dedicated study space for you, let others know when it will be used as a study space. Make a “Do Not Disturb”, “Quiet Please”, or “Don't Be Loud-I'm Studying!” sign. to paste, depending on your personality

Step 2. Make decorations to motivate yourself

Decorating your study space with posters, symbols, and photos that matter to you can help provide encouragement to keep learning. Just make sure they aren't distractions, and not motivational objects.

• Find out what kind of motivation worked for you. Is it a family photo or a beloved pet? The car poster you hope for after passing your exams and leaving school? A copy of your previous chemistry exam that had a bad grade and made you determined to improve? Determine if you need more “push” or “pull” (in other words, a reward or punishment) to keep you motivated.

  

• Decorating your study room will also make it recognizable as your own space, even if it's only temporary, like a dining table or shared space. Bring along some motivational memorabilia for your study time, which you can easily sort out when you're done studying.

Step 3. Stimulate your senses

If you can add color to the study, keep in mind that cool colors like blue, purple, and green tend to trigger feelings of peace and balance, while warmer colors like red, yellow, and orange tend to encourage activity and even anxiety.

• So if you tend to feel overly anxious for an upcoming test, consider choosing a cool color palette for your décor; If you need a little push while trying to study, choose a warmer color.
• However, do not reduce your attention to the other senses. Some scents, such as lemon, lavender, jasmine, rosemary, cinnamon, and peppermint, seem to improve mood and productivity for some people. Try different scented candles and essential oils.
• While white noise, rain, or classical music are generally the best choices as background sounds during study sessions, if it's not possible to make such a choice, stick to music you're very familiar with. Make background music using songs you've heard a million times before; they're more likely to blend into the background than new ones that tempt you to sing along to the song.

Step 4. Don't overdo it

Remember that the purpose of a study room is to help you study more effectively. If you spend too much time trying to define your space and end up reducing how much time you actually study, you're doing yourself a disservice. A study space devoted to limiting distractions can become a distraction in itself.

Remember: It's better to study in a less-than-ideal space than not to study in a perfect space

Tips

• If your study room is too warm, you may become sleepy. If it's too cold, your thoughts may slow down and become unclear. Choose a temperature that allows your mind and body to function at their best.
• Study rooms are of little use if you can't use them when you need them. If you're using a study that someone else is sharing for any reason, set a schedule so you know when you can use it.
• The amount of light you need depends on what you're doing. The important thing is that you can clearly see what you need to see without causing any tension or discomfort.
• Chairs that are not comfortable to sit on can cause discomfort or pain that will interfere with learning and concentration activities. A chair that is too comfortable can make you feel too relaxed or sleepy. Choose a chair that can be used as a place to sit for a long time and maintain concentration while studying. In addition, it will also ensure that your back is not strained and that it is comfortable for your buttocks.
• Research shows that most students do best in a quiet environment. If you find that turning on the stereo or TV improves your mood, keep the volume low. But try to unplug the TV, so even if you try, the TV won't turn on. And if you want to turn on some music, play something that doesn't have lyrics. Classical, electronic, or post-rock instrumental music might be good choices. This music will feel calm and soothing so it doesn't bother you too much.
• Take breaks when you need them. If you don't pay attention to what you're doing, it won't do much, while a short break will have a big impact. Just make sure not to take too long of a break. 5-10 minutes is enough!
• Your study time should be quiet, comfortable and free from distractions. Studying should make you feel happy and inspired. Give decorations in the form of photos or your favorite objects.

Related article

• Tidying Notes
• Take Better Notes
• Concentrate on Your Study
• Improve Your Concentration
• Get Motivated to Study