Seven tips to help you study at home

The last few weeks of semester have arrived which means a couple of things. Firstly, we only have a few more weeks until three months of freedom. Secondly, the library and study spaces around campus are about to become very, very crowded. If you have been at uni for more than a semester you’ll know that this time is (almost) literally a fight to the death to find a nice study space, especially in the elusive 24/7 lounges.

I know a lot of people find it difficult to study at home, whether that be due to distractions, noise from housemates or just not having a functional study space. So, I thought I would share some of my favourite tips for having a successful day of studying at home.

Start your day like you are heading into uni or work

Wake up and spend some time preparing for the day as you would if you were going into university. While staying in your pyjamas may seem inviting for a day spent at home, you’ll start to feel really lazy come lunch time if you haven’t even moved out of bed. Make sure to have a big breakfast and have some time to relax before you get into your study. If you don’t, you’ll start to feel irritable and sluggish by lunch time and it will negatively affect your study.

Put on some comfy clothes

While you should get dressed and out of your pyjamas, that doesn’t mean you can’t change into the comfiest clothes in your closet for the day. Comfy clothes are not only amazing, but they will allow you to feel incredible while you’re studying. No tight jeans, no skirt that you have to pull down every five minutes and of course you don’t even have to worry about styling your hair. Wonderful.

Have millions of cups of tea

Another reason why spending the day studying at home is amazing is due to the fact that you have full access to your food supplies and cups of tea and coffee. You can also get up and head to the bathroom without the fear of losing your seat or having to awkwardly ask the stranger next to you to watch your stuff. This will also keep you motivated to keep studying as you don’t have to pack up every time you need more food.

Shut the door

If you aren’t lucky enough to have the house to yourself during the day for studying, find a place that is away from everyone else; or if your desk is set up in your bedroom – shut the door. Tell your family or housemates that you are studying and don’t wish to be disturbed for a set amount of time.

Find a study sound

If you can’t stand the sound of people chatting or the television while you’re trying to study, then you are in need of a good study soundtrack. There are so many to choose from. You can listen to classical music, relaxation music and even the sounds of a busy café if you please.

Forget that you’re are at home

One of the biggest keys to success when studying at home is to pretend that you aren’t there. You see, if you have it on your mind that you’re at home you’ll constantly be thinking about all of the other things you could be doing with your time. Your mind will wander to the pile of washing that needs doing, the dishes, and what you are cooking tonight. Instead try to treat your study time like you’re at work and keep your focus on the task at hand.

Set a finish time

Setting a finish time for the day will ensure you don’t get burnt out while studying. Being at home lacks the many visual ques to stop studying that you would find in the library, such as other people heading home or the librarians announcements. At home you could be sitting in the same spot for hours without noticing that the day had turned to night.

Now you have all the tools you need to have a successful study day at home. Do you have any tips to share for how you study at home?

Until next time – Hayley