How to Create the Ideal Study Space

Your study space is critical to your ability to study effectively. This doesn't necessarily imply that you have to find a place that's completely silent and set it up as your study area, but it does mean you should find a place to study that fits your specific personality and learning style.

Identifying Your Ideal Study Space

Everyone has different study preferences. Some of us need a completely quiet room free from any audible distractions. Others actually study better listening to quiet music in the background or taking several breaks.

You will study most effectively if you make your study time special, like a ceremony. Assign yourself a specific place and regular time.

Some students even give a name to their study space. It might sound crazy, but it works. By naming your study space, you generate more respect for your own space. It might just keep your little brother away from your things too!

Creating Your Study Space

1. Evaluate your personality and preferences. Discover whether or not you are vulnerable to noise and other distractions. Determine if you work better by sitting quietly for a long period of time or if you need to take short breaks once in a while and then return to your work.
2. Identify the space and claim it. Your bedroom may be the best place to study, or it may not be. Some students associate their bedrooms with rest and simply can't concentrate there. A bedroom can also be problematic if you share a room with a sibling. If you need a quiet place without distraction, it might be better for you to set up a place in the attic, basement, or garage, completely away from others.
3. Make sure your study area is comfortable. It is very important to set up your computer and chair in a way that won't harm your hands, wrists, and neck. Make sure your chair and monitor are the right height and lend themselves to a proper ergonomic position for hours of comfortable studying. Take care to avoid repetitive stress injury as this can lead to lifelong difficulties. Next, stock your study space with all the tools and supplies you’ll need, and make sure space is comfortable in temperature.
4. Establish study rules. Avoid unnecessary arguments and misunderstandings with your parents by establishing when and how you study. If you know that you are able to study effectively by taking breaks, just say so. You may want to create a homework contract.

Communicate with your parents and explain the ways in which you study best and why it's important for you to take breaks, listen to music, grab a snack, or make use of whatever method best enables effective studying.