4 Ways To Create Your Perfect Study Space

By Alicia Geigel on August 29, 2018

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At the start of each semester, we all make the same promise to ourselves that we aren’t going to study last minute before a test and change up our study habits, but for most of us, these promises just about always fall through. With all of the responsibilities of college, time management can be a real challenge, not only in regards to homework and projects but especially with tests/exams. Because it can be difficult to manage time efficiently and balance your schedule, it can become easy to cram the night before a test and burn yourself out. 

For some, this method of prepping for big tests works, but for most of us, it just leaves us feeling overwhelmed and unprepared. Though everyone has different study methods and routines, one of the most basic ways that we all can benefit from when it comes to prepping for a test is to have a study space. If you are lacking in the study department, looking to bump up your test scores, or simply wanting to become a better test taker, these four simple ways to create a perfect study space will help to revitalize your routine and not only surprise your professor, but you as well!

During college, you’ll probably find yourself studying or working in a number of places: the library, a Starbucks, on the floor outside your lecture hall, at a friend’s house, etc. While I was in college, I found that the best place for me to concentrate and study best was in the comfort of my own dorm/home. Being in public spaces made it hard for me to concentrate because of all the distractions. The tips I describe can definitely be applied to areas outside of your dorm/home, however, they make more sense at home, in a space of your own!

Ransom Patterson of CollegeInfoGreek helped to identify some tips as: “1. Remove all distractions, 2. Have easy access to everything you need before you start, and 3. Experiment with lighting” So let’s get into them!

supplies, pen, pencil, paper, highlighter

Image via Pexels

 

1. Remove All Distractions: Unfortunately, there are many distractions that can be super tempting when you’re working on schoolwork or studying for your next exam while you’re at home. These distractions we can all be vulnerable to, and can include: engaging in social media, texting, listening to music, and watching TV.

To help minimize distractions, set yourself a timer for 10-15 minutes, indulge in your Twitter feed or texting your s/o, then get back to work. Once you set a time limit for yourself, you’ll not only feel better after your break but you’ll also be able to jump right back into work.

2. Access to What You Need: One of the biggest things we can do to set ourselves back while working or studying is not being prepared! To help create the perfect study space, be sure to have all the supplies and materials you need, so you’re not rummaging around for some old notes or a textbook and wasting time.

My suggestion? Have a notebook, a black and red pen, a pencil, a couple different-colored highlighters, your laptop (if you have one) and any notes/print-outs and books for the course together so you have one less thing to worry about!

lights, wall, art, shelves, plants

Image via Pexels

3. Experiment with Lighting: Surrounding environments have a significant impact on our motivation to do work and get it done. Patterson cites a study conducted by the Cologne University of Applied Sciences on the effects of color temperature and brightness on productivity, stating that “researchers found that the students were more creative under warm light (3000k), yet concentrated better under cold light (6000k).”

In my experience, I found that being in a bright-lit room with blinding white lights just made me anxious. For me, warmer lights that are slightly dimmed made me feel more comfortable and calm. Just find out what works best for you by testing out different kinds of lighting! Maybe you study better with a bright desk lamp, or perhaps you are productive with string lights and a dim light floor lamp. Just make sure you can see and aren’t tempted to crawl in bed!

4. Its All About the Little Things: Sometimes the small things in life are what matters, and that applies to your study space too! Put a small table and chair in your room, hang up some motivational artwork or put some positive post-it notes on the wall, freshen it up with some succulent plants, and play a great study playlist- these can make your space come together perfectly!

Let’s face it, no one really likes to take the time to sit down and study. It can be super difficult at times and make you want to pull your hair out, however, with the right study space, studying doesn’t have to be so bad! Success with studying is dependent on you and the tricks and tips that work best for you, so play around with your space and make it somewhere you enjoy being. As always, good luck!

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