Love it or hate it, studying is inevitably a large part of student life. The following are a few tips to transform your study space into somewhere you want to work; not just somewhere you’re forced to. So, read on to make studying more bearable.
1. De-clutter
Your study space needs to have enough room for your laptop, textbook, notebook, and any other materials that you need for studying; so, it is key that you de-clutter and move anything that you don’t really need (this includes irrelevant books, scraps of paper, and other miscellaneous items). Helpful tip: to keep your wires from taking up space on top of your desk, move them underneath or secure them to the wall.
2. Use Desk Organizers
For the remaining tools that you will need for your study habits, keep them in desk organizers so that they have a place to belong at the end of the day. It’ll be easier to keep track of your pens and papers, and you’ll free up some desk space too. As a matter of principle, I always keep a pencil holder or two on my desk. Just be careful not to overcrowd your desk with organizers, since that will render your efforts to de-clutter null.
3. Invest in a Good Desk Lamp
Good lighting is key for those late-night study sessions! Don’t strain your eyes, and invest in a good lamp to keep in the corner of your desk. Bright lighting will also encourage you to stay awake.
4. Get a Bulletin Board
Bulletin boards are great because they’re so versatile; you can use them to pin up a calendar and your class schedule so that you never miss another deadline. You can also pin up reminders for yourself, such as: to pay your credit card bill, to email your professor, to go buy eggs, or to check out the sale down at Simon’s. You can also pin up photos, postcards, and other similar pieces to give your study space a homey feel (see step 6 for more on this).
5. Add Plant Life
Line a few succulents or small potted plants along your desk, a nearby windowsill or bookshelf to add some life (literally) to your study space! Plants don’t only serve an aesthetic purpose, there’s also a sense of joy that comes from taking care of them. If you’re especially venturous, try making your own terrarium for an extra feeling of self-gratification.
6. Decorate with Personal Mementos
Personalizing your study space will make it seem cozier, more cheerful, and all-around more approachable for a stressed university student. Hang up posters, frame some photos, put up some drawings made by your talented younger sister… anything goes as long as it gives you a sense of joy. Just be careful not to over-clutter again.
Hopefully, the above tips will help guide you to a more pleasant studying experience. Wishing you all a delightful start to the Fall semester!
Images obtained from:
Cover photo by Aleks Dorohovich on Unsplash
https://www.pexels.com/photo/business-camera-communication-computer-436784/
Rob Bye, via https://unsplash.com/search/photos/desk?photo=f6bKycd4UFc
Jeff Sheldon, via https://unsplash.com/search/photos/pencil-holder?photo=a8K-puaPyVk