How to Create a Great Study Area

Summer is gone, the school year is beginning, and before you know it you’ll be facing mid-terms. There’s one way to take the sting out of studying – prepare a place that’s exclusively meant for you to study in. This isn’t an excuse to go shopping, it’s an exercise in preparation. Let’s get started:

1. The location. In order to avoid being distracted by others, you should create your study space in a low traffic area. You’ll also want to put some distance between yourself and the television. Conversations of people, either real or on TV, will distract you from your studies. Find a wall or corner, rather than a window, for your desk to face to avoid visual distractions as well. If you don’t have a desk, a table with a large flat surface will do nicely. You’ll want to be able to use your computer and spread out your books.

2. Seating options. Although there’s no doubt that comfort is key to a long night of studying, doing so on a sofa isn’t the best choice. It’s far too easy to lie down and fall asleep while reading. Instead, find an adjustable chair with good back support.

3. Lighting is important. If you don’t have enough light, you’ll have eye strain after just a short amount of time. If, however, you have fluorescent lighting, your eyes will constantly have to be adjusting to the flicker. If possible, natural light from windows, doors or skylights is best because it’s restorative. You’ll want a desk or floor lamp to augment on gloomy days or late-nighters.

4. Noise level. It’s a given that most people need somewhat of a quiet environment when trying to study. People vary, however, on whether or not they require some music. If you are someone who enjoys music while studying, make sure that the volume is low and there aren’t a lot of lyrics to distract you. Why not consider spa-like sound machines with white noise of nature sounds?

5. Miscellaneous. A bulletin board will come in handy for keeping track of loose items and a calendar will make sure that you never miss a due date. It wouldn’t hurt to have some healthy snacks in a drawer so you don’t have to get up and leave your study area when the munchies hit. Just make sure that you avoid sugar because after a quick buzz, you’ll crash.

It’s best to use your area exclusively for studying and not let it turn into a place to relax or recreate. Once you consider all of these things, you should be much easier to focus on reading and projects.

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