This is often a big question for many because either they need somewhere functional or somewhere motivating. Below is a list of possible places that are easily accessible that hopefully will work for you and your study, also with tips to ensure practicality.
Not your Bed!
I don’t know how many times I’ve said to myself that I’m going to study on my bed because it’s comfy and it’s a reward. I also don’t know how many times I’ve fallen asleep on my phone without even opening a book!
Your body registers your bed as a sleepy time spot so will somewhat shut down when you lay there, thus feeling tired and unmotivated.
Because there is no desk you often have to slouch over to write, which just wrecks your back making you want to lay down and therefore fall asleep.
Just don’t do it, trust me.
A Desk
Obviously I have to add this in. Many people have a desk but still find it hard to study at them so here are a few ways to make it easier.
Make sure it’s clean! You aren’t going to be motivated if you first have to do the annoying task of cleaning.
When you sit down make sure you have all the material you need e.g. your pencil case, notebooks, laptop, a drink, any snacks etc. this way you don’t keep getting back up and can work through pesky procrastination.
Make your space inviting by adding decor that makes you want to spend time there e.g. candles, plants, posters, or desk organisers.
In my study I have this cupboard which has one side which I have accumulated a bunch of goodies that I never know I’ll need when studying. These include blankets, jackets, sweaters, socks, hats, heat packs and pillows. These just help me keep going like in the second bullet.
The use of a planner or list to jot down what you want to get done as soon as you sit at your desk can help give direction to your study session.
The Library
Pretty much every school, institute or town has a library that you can go to for a number of hours and get on the grind. Yes I know, some are loud or dark or unidealised but here’s how you can make the best of the facility.
As for your desk you need to arrive at the library having everything you may need. Some days I’ve arrived with a massive tote full of binders, folders, pencil cases, laptop, chargers and pens. While this gives you major nerd vibes it allows you to spend 6+ hours there if you have to.
Bring earphones with a device that you can listen to asmr, white noise but preferably not music. I personally prefer podcasts because I can tune out but are not as bored as white noise leaves me.
Take a drink! Always take at least water because you don’t want to sit for hours in a dry air conditioned building without it.
Take a friend. I don’t really like social study because I get more done alone but if taking someone with you will actually get you to do some work, do it!
A Park
Now we get onto some more creative and less conventional destinations. The park can be a hit or miss, there are bugs, the weather is sometimes not ideal, it can be loud etc. So if you are interested in not only getting that cute pic and actually studying read on.
Try and find a table if you are writing. Slouching over for hours is painful and just don’t do it. If you are just reading for a class or watching lectures, a bench or tree may be perfect.
If you plan to sit on the ground definitely take a blanket or something to lay down on the ground. Also try and take a device to limit slouching as you can sit it on your lap.
Sitting in a park alone can be dangerous in some cities so use this to do group study or catch up with friends.
Take a hat and layers because the weather can change in an instance.
The Beach
Obviously this option won’t be accessible to everyone and has the same limitations that the park does which a few extra must haves such as a beach towel, hair ties, and sunscreen. However some of my study sessions when I’ve felt most girl boss is at the beach, it just feels like you are getting so much more out of your day by also being able to say you went to the beach. It is also incredibly pretty which is a major motivator for me.
A Coffee Shop
One of the most studyblr things is studying at a coffee shop but for good reason. Like many I suffer from procrastination problems, mostly stemming from my love of food. When you are at a coffee shop the food and beverage is at your fingertips which promotes longevity in your study. The vibe is good and you can always get the bonus insta pic. However where I live coffee shop culture is not as prominent so it can be awkward to sit in a small store for more than an hour.
Like the library take all you need and make sure you know what tasks you’ll be completed e.g. if writing an essay on your laptop make sure you go somewhere that allows you to charge your device.
If you feel awkward about maintaining a space in an establishment who needs to serve as many customers as possible, have a chat with the owners and just check whether it is ok. Most of the time they will be fine with this because it promotes repeat service.
While coffee is one of the most loved things in this community be careful of unwanted downs and crashes after that caffeine wears off.
Shared Living Spaces
These include dorm rooms, dorm study rooms, friends apartments and big study groups. While these areas encompass many of the above tips I do have a few that can help with studying with people and friends. It is fairly likely that at some point the study is going to stop and the talking is going to start. To avoid this you can use a few strategies.
One of these would be taking flash cars which you can test yourself and friends on if you are studying the same thing.
Two, if you are working on the same thing e.g. taking notes for a lecture, organise to collaborate. For example you can all do your notes and go through them at the end so you can add things you picked up on so that everyone has extensive notes. Similarly group projects can be broken up, this way everyone stays relatively on task with as little time as possible used.
Take a small whiteboard for math or science classes because if one friends can do a harder problem the whiteboard allows them to explain their working easier to the group.
Take breaks. Being around many people at once for many hours can be overwhelming and stressful which can cause anxiety if you are also stressing about getting tasks done. So organise for everyone to get food or do something after that can help you all chill out.
Your car
I don’t know if this is weird but I love just driving somewhere and sitting in my car. I love getting in my back seat and studying there, it’s like a little couch in a pretty area. No one can interrupt me and it is usually quiet. I live in Australia with black interiors in my car so often the car gets hot so I’ll have to wind down my windows but I also have many things in my car like blankets and jumpers which can help if it’s cold. I don’t really have any tips for this step but I understand that it wouldn’t be an option for really long study sessions
you can do this before social activities, classes, extra curricular or as a separate study time on it’s own
The Gym
I know that some people love getting active and this can actually be a good place to study, however most of this has to be done via earphones. In a recent post I discussed how you can make the most of your time by listening to your study by listening to notes, lectures, educational videos or readings. By also studying while working out you can get very motivated which often extends to when you get home. Again I don’t really have many tips to make this work because it usually wouldn’t last longer than an hour but just remember that this is always an option!
Thanks everyone for reading this post and if you have any ideas or things you’d like me to talk about send me an inbox or ask! I have not been posting that regularly this year and i have only just started actually writing proper posts so give me some time to get good. Love you all and happy organising.
