In light of recent public health measures to close university libraries, cancel exams and explore alternative teaching methods, there is a lot of uncertainty regarding how academics will change in the coming weeks. However, as challenging as these times are, it is important to remember to keep on top of your studies. Many of you are likely having your study routine disturbed. Perhaps you were used to doing all your studying and college work in the quiet comfort of the library? Perhaps you prefer to study at home, but now find it a challenge with your siblings home from school and your parents working from home? Our guide will provide you with hints and tips for creating an effective study environment at home and motivating yourself to keep studying despite these trying times.
Creating an effective study space
For many students, the most valuable resource the library provides is study space. While the library remains closed, a great tip is to try and recreate that environment in your own home. Find a quiet room in your house where you won’t be distracted by the TV, radio or other family members. If you are someone who studies well with ambient noise, maybe open the window so you can still hear wildlife or cars passing by. Try and choose a location that has a table and chair to study at – either a bedroom desk and chair or the kitchen table and chair. Having proper table space will give you room to spread out your notes and books, and sitting upright in a chair will help you stay alert and concentrated. When studying from home, it can be hard to resist the urge to study from your bed or the sofa, but you are far more likely to get distracted and take a nap!
Stay hydrated, well fed and well rested
Without the routine of leaving the house every morning with your packed lunch, café plans with a friend or water bottle, it can be hard to remember to stay hydrated and eat meals at regular times. Keeping a bottle or large glass of water next to you while studying will help encourage you to stay hydrated, purely by keeping your beverage in sight.
It’s important to eat intuitively so that you’re not going hungry waiting for lunch time or forcing yourself to eat breakfast just for the sake of it, but do try and maintain a regular eating schedule so that food doesn’t become a distraction and an excuse not to study. Plan your meals ahead so that you have mealtimes as a break to look forward to, and try to pick healthy foods to keep your mind and body concentrated – as well as a few treats, of course.
Try your best to maintain a normal sleeping pattern so as not to confuse your internal clock during this time spent at home. It can be all too tempting to stay up late watching TV, but doing this repeatedly will simply result in feeling jet-lagged and groggy. Sticking to a regular sleep schedule, and incorporating exercise in any way you can should help you feel tired at a normal time and keep up regular sleep pattern.
Create a study schedule
Creating a study schedule for your month, week or day with small achievable goals is an excellent way to stay motivated and not become overwhelmed by the amount of work you have to do. Go through the assignment schedules for your different modules and classes and map out which assignments are due soonest to prioritise them. Using to-do lists is a great way to keep on top of your tasks and gives a great sense of achievement when you mark off accomplishments.
Some students find it beneficial to plan out their day of study in blocks of time, whether it’s blocks of 2/3 hours, one hour or even half an hour. You’ll know your own attention span best so try and prioritise working diligently as long as you reasonably can and then give yourself a short break to avoid staring off into space or reading the same paragraph a dozen times.
Some students find they study best in the morning, while others are night owls – find out what times of day are most effective for you and schedule your study hours during those times for maximum efficiency.
Talk to someone
If you’re feeling stressed out or overwhelmed by the amount of work you have to do, or by the current situation we find ourselves in generally, try and have a chat with someone about it. Your family or housemates are probably feeling the same frustrations you are and can easily empathize with your situation. Try and keep in contact with your friends and classmates digitally, so you feel in the loop with what’s going on in everyone’s lives. Social distancing is hard enough, but it doesn’t have to mean total social isolation.
If you’re having a particular problem with your coursework or assignments, don’t be afraid to reach out to your lecturers or tutors by email. They are there to help and understand that this is a difficult time for students coming to grips with new learning environments. Library staff and academic liaison librarians in particular, are also available to help you with any queries you might have on sources for essays and projects, or general information queries.
If you’re finding the transition to these new styles of learning difficult or awkward, please don’t hesitate to reach out to academic or library staff for additional help with studying from home.
