As the COVID-19 situation continues, keeping us out of coffeeshops and libraries, it’s time to create a home study space where we can focus on nursing school. Paying attention to a few major details can help create a space that allows you to focus and study effectively.
Find a space to dedicate to studying – but not your bed
Maybe it’s a chair at the kitchen table, or a desk in your bedroom. It might even be a card table in a corner of the living room. Whatever it is, dedicate a spot to studying that is only used for that purpose. Make it comfortable but skip your bed: you don’t want to fall asleep!
Create a schedule
Having a set time to study during the day and through the week can help make it easier to juggle your studying with your other responsibilities. If you have kids, creating a schedule for them can help as well, so that you know they have something to do while you’re studying.
Related read: Success Tips for Every Nursing Student from Educators
Organize your space
Clutter has potential to be a big distraction, especially if it makes finding a pen or the right folder difficult. Take a few minutes every day to clean up any trash and take old coffee mugs to the kitchen. File away scattered papers. Stack up your sticky notes so they’re ready when you need them.
Pay attention to lighting
Lighting is really important when trying to study. Light that is too dim, too bright, or directly in your face can lead to headaches and make studying difficult or impossible. The light in your study space needs to be bright enough to illuminate textbooks, notebooks and other study materials. However, try to make sure the light is either coming over your shoulder, covered by a lampshade, or natural light coming in through a window.
Background noise is fine, but turn off the TV
Some people find studying easier to do with music on. A favorite song is a sure-fire mood booster and helpful during more frustrating parts of assignments. Lyrics can be really distracting, however. If you find yourself singing along, try flipping to classical music or ambient white noise instead. And most importantly, turn off that television – trying to keep up with the news or watching a favorite episode of Law and Order while reviewing notes will fracture your attention and make learning difficult, if not impossible. Along those lines, if your phone is a distraction, turn it off or put it in another room during your study hours.
Looking for more tips to be a great student at home? Check out 8 characteristics of a successful online student.