Finding Your Most Productive Study Space
Having a productive study area is an important part of learning a new skill or completing a qualification. Very few people are lucky enough to have a completely private study area as most people have to share their accommodation either in halls of residence, with flatmates or with their family possibly including pets and young children. Having a study area that you find effective will help you create a routine and program yourself to study at certain times. The following three considerations should help you find a great study area.
1. What tools do you need: There are many subjects that can be learnt with a pad, pen, computer and textbook but if youre learning to sew or play the trombone, you will require space to put your tools and equipment. You need to work out how much space you need to study and whether your study materials can be packed away easily. This will determine how big your study area needs to be.
2. Location, location, location: The ideal is to have a study area that is always available with all your study materials close at hand, however this is not possible for most people so you have to think about other options. Maybe when there is no one home it is possible to set up a folding table or perhaps you can negotiate with your family to take over the dining table at certain times and not be disturbed. If there is no way for you to study at home, have a think about what is available in your neighbourhood. If you are studying through an institution they may have a study area you can use. Otherwise if you are on a self study program think about coffee shops and libraries that might make good study spots. If you need space for your study tools, you might be able to share the rental of a workshop or studio.
3. Make yourself comfortable: Even if you dont have a permanent study area that you can set up the way you like, you can still add some personal touches. The first thing is to plan how you will store your study materials a plastic box can be a good way to keep everything together and transport them easily if you’re not studying at home. If you do have to study at a different location, using an iPod can help drown out background noise and a cushion can make you more comfortable if you have to sit for long periods.
It might take some time and effort to find your ideal study space but it will be worthwhile in the long run. Ask your family and friends for their ideas as they will prove a great asset in helping you find the study space you need.