Studying Online? Set Up Your Study Space for Success

When you enroll in a degree program delivered online, you will likely do most of your studying at home. Depending on where you live, you may not have easy access to a library or even a coffee shop, traditional study spots. Putting some thought into where you study – and what best suits your needs, personality and learning style – could make a difference in your success.

At the University of Arkansas, students have the opportunity to take an online orientation designed by Global Campus staff that includes information about setting up a study space. Having a place free of both clutter and distraction are recommended. Having a place dedicated to schoolwork can help students balance their work life, school life and personal life. The Global Campus also offers online student coaches who are available by appointment to help students learn about student support services, connect with resources and stay on track.

Another tip offered in orientation is to post a large calendar on the wall for the whole family to note appointments and other things that need to be done. Everyone can see your upcoming deadlines and plan accordingly. It’s also a conversation starter when friends come over and want to know how classes are going.

The U of A’s Student Success Center also offers advice on setting up an effective study space.

The success center website suggests: Schedule your study times, if possible, in the same place and time each day. Identify a study space where the bulk of your studying will occur. After several days of studying in this place, your brain will associate this space with studying and help you stay focused.

When you are scheduled to study, the success center website offers this list to make sure you have everything you need:

• Your class notebook and textbook
• Good lighting
• Comfortable seating
• A solid surface to write on
• A clock to help you manage your time
• Pens, pencils, highlighters, ruler, stapler, paperclips, pencil sharpener, sticky notes, index cards, paper, scissors, calculator, computer, etc.

For students studying online, a computer should be top of the list, and you can seek help with technical issues from the Blackboard help desk.

Further advice from the success center website suggests taking a 5-minute break every hour that you study. The break helps you stay fresh and your brain more receptive to learning. Moving around a bit during the break will also help.

Collegeinfogeek.com describes four steps to create a study space in your home:

• Remove distractions – you should probably avoid things such as video games, your phone, lots of open tabs, messy food and drinks, and other people. The goal of a study space is to maximize the attention you can devote to studying while minimizing the amount of effort necessary to do so.
• Have easy access to everything you need before you start – this includes a comfortable chair or standing desk, computer and external mouse (more ergonomic than a trackpad), textbooks, notebooks, index cards, writing utensils, calculator or other subject-specific tools as needed, and good lighting. You might also find helpful a whiteboard and dry erase markers; tactile thinking aids such as putty, clay or a pen to click; tea, coffee or water; healthy snacks that don’t make a mess; inspiring decorations; paper calendar; study music or ambient noise; kitchen timer; and headphones.
• Pay attention to lighting – experiment to see whether you get more done under natural light, muted light or strong light.
• Adjust your study space to the ideal temperature – being too hot or too cold can be distracting and the discomfort may cause you to make more mistakes. Keeping a sweater and small fan at hand or dressing in layers may also be helpful.

College Info Geek also suggests that, if you want to study at a library, look for a place that offers quiet, is spacious, and doesn’t have much foot traffic or other distractions. As an online student, this one will take some creativity and research on your part. Is there a public or college library in your town that is convenient for studying? Even if so, it may not be the best solution because, as an online student, you can take a break from studying at home to respond to a family member’s request or throw a load of laundry into the washing machine if you want. Studying outside your home also requires you to carry your computer and other supplies with you. But, being at the library may provide that official, “let’s get down to business” feeling you need.

Finally, College Info Geek reminds you creating a study space is all about the way it makes you feel and what puts you in a studious mood. Your preferences may be different from those of your peers.

A few final tips:

• Make sure your study materials function and are in good condition. For U of A students, remember Blackboard Help is your friend.
• Make your study space ergonomic so that you don’t emerge from a study session feeling like you were hit by a truck.
• Keep your study space as clean (or messy) as you like it.
• Take breaks every 30 to 60 minutes.
• View your study space as a work in progress. If something isn’t working for you, change it. Don’t go out and buy everything on the list until you see what you really need based on experience.
• Make the best of the space you have. You may want to have a box or drawer handy if you need to put papers and books away when you’re not actively working. If you’re using a shared space, protect your work from others who may innocently move things around.

You can learn more about setting up an efficient home office for online learning at eLearners.com. Their blog post even talks about what colors to paint the walls to suit your personality and working style.