Find a desk or table with a top that rests somewhere between your waist and ribcage when you sit at it, so that your elbows can rest easily upon it without having to hunch your shoulders forward. You also want to be able to rest your feet flat on the ground. [2] X Research source Use a comfortable chair that fits the height of the desk / table. You may want to skip the fancier desk chairs that rotate, roll, recline, lift, etc. , if these will only become distractions. If you are using a computer, you want enough space to place it about 1 ½ to 2 ½ feet away from you.
If natural light is available, certainly make use of it. Be aware, though, that while the natural light provided by a window can be refreshing and calming, the temptation to stare out the window may hamper your studying. Consider draperies or translucent blinds, or face away from the window.
Keep classic school supplies like pens or pencils, erasers, paper, notecards, highlighters, and so on in assigned areas on the desk or in a handy drawer. Keep a traditional pocket dictionary, thesaurus, and calculator nearby, even though your phone can probably do the jobs of all three. Using your phone to do long division or spell-check is an open invitation to distraction by the million other things you can do on it. [5] X Research source
Organize your study materials by course / subject in folders or binders. Mark each clearly and store them for easy access. You can also organize assignments and notes by using bulletin boards, cork tiles, and wall calendars. For more ideas, see How to Organize Your Desk
Label things clearly so you can use the search feature to find them. Skip cutesy names in favor of descriptive titles. And label drafts!
Try using a clock to set time-related study goals. You can also use the clock or timer feature on your phone or a watch to help you do this. Decide to study in a “chunk” of time, such as 30 minutes. Don’t allow yourself any distractions for that period of time. When it’s up, take a little break to reward yourself![8] X Research source You could also try out a timer for even more precise time-keeping, especially if you are preparing for a timed exam like the SAT or ACT. If the tick-tock of an old-fashioned clock bothers you, go digital.
It is a good idea to take short study breaks along the way anyway, so when you do, take a moment to tidy up your workspace before resuming. Excess clutter can lead to unnecessary distractions. Keep only what you need at that time in front of you. A cluttered workspace can lead to a cluttered mind.
Turn your phone off or put it in do-not-disturb so the lure of notification chimes doesn’t drag you away from your studies. Also try placing it well out of reach so you can’t reflexively grab for it. [11] X Research source If you are using your phone as a calculator or other tool, consider putting it on airplane mode which shuts off wireless and cellular connections. You can turn them back on for your (brief) study breaks.
”Multitasking” is a myth. You simply can’t watch TV or surf Facebook and study at the same time, no matter how much you think you’re “really” a multitasker. [13] X Research source Focus your study time on studying, and save things like TV and music for leisure time. If your study space shares a room or a thin wall with a TV in use by someone, or people engaged in conversation or some other potential distraction, try to block out the distraction with your own background noise. Try choosing something like rain sounds or white noise; there are websites and apps with samples of these. If you prefer music, try light classical or at least something without lyrics. You want something that negates audio distractions without becoming one itself. [14] X Research source Don’t use headphones if you have a choice. They seem to hinder focus and information retention for many people, probably because the sound does not as easily blend into the background. [15] X Research source
If it is possible for you to carve out a space – even a corner, a niche, a large closet, etc. – dedicated exclusively to studying, do it. Associate your presence there only with studying. If this is not an option, do what you can to transform the multipurpose space into study space. Clear away food, dishes, centerpieces, etc. , from the dining room table. Put away your computer games, scrapbooking supplies, and so on.
Try to avoid over-consuming sugar and caffeine while studying. These can make you feel jittery and lead to “crashes” later. Try saving your snack for when you take a study break. You’ll be more aware of what you’re eating, and it’s a nice way to reward yourself for a job well done. Don’t ignore your body’s needs, though. Set yourself a meal or snack break, or give yourself a specific amount of time before you replenish your coffee. This way, you take care of your mind and your body.
If the location can’t always be your dedicated study space, let others know when it is being used as such. Go ahead and make a “Do Not Disturb,” “Quiet, please,” or “Hey, knock it off – I’m studying here!” sign to post, depending on your personality.
Figure out what kind of motivation works for you. A picture of your family or a beloved pet? A poster of the car you hope to get after you pass these exams and graduate? Copies of your earlier exams in chemistry with poor scores that you are determined to improve upon? Determine whether you need more of a “push” or a “pull” (or a carrot or stick, if you prefer) to keep you motivated. Decorating the space also identifies it as yours, even if only temporarily, as in the case of a dining room table or shared space. Bring along a few motivating mementos for your study time that can be easily packed up when you’re finished.
So, if you tend to get overly anxious for upcoming exams, consider going with a cool color palate for your décor; if you need a kick in the pants while trying to study, go warmer. Don’t shortchange your other senses, though. Some scents, like lemon, lavender, jasmine, rosemary, cinnamon, and peppermint, seem to boost mood and productivity in some people. Try out different scented candles and essential oils. [19] X Research source While white noise, rain sounds, or classical music are generally the best choices for background sound during a study session, if you can’t bring yourself to choose such options, select music that is very familiar to you. Create a soundtrack with songs you’ve heard a million times before; these are more likely to fade into the background than a new hit that you just begs you to sing along. [20] X Research source
Remember: You’re better off studying in a less-than-ideal space than not studying in a perfect space.
