5 Ways to Create an Effective Student Study Space

With exam season now in full swing, it's important that you have a motivating and productivity-inducing environment to revise in. Could your current study setup use a revamp? Student accommodation doesn't always induce laser focus, but with a few quick alterations, you can change that. To help you get the most out of your revision, we've come up with five easy ways to create an effective student study space in your accommodation that will make you want to hit the books. Well...maybe.

1. Find a dedicated space

When revising, it can be helpful to mix up your study spots for a change of scene. Your university library and public cafes are great options, but it's good to establish a base within your student accommodation too. Find a particular space where you can work comfortably and without disruption. Make sure you only use this area for studying - don't go mixing work and play! The idea is that whenever you're in this study area, you'll feel focused, productive, and ready to learn.

2. Make it comfortable

Your comfort is extremely important to effective learning. Unfortunately, this doesn't mean you should hop back into bed or chill out on the sofa. Ideally, you need a desk or a table to work at, and a comfortable desk chair to sit in. This will help improve your posture and ensure you avoid back pain when you're sitting for longer periods. Your student study space also needs to be big enough to work comfortably, with all the tools and supplies you need within reach.

If you can, try and control the temperature in your study area. You don't want it to be so warm that you're falling asleep, but you shouldn't be shivering either. Find that happy medium before you get to studying.

3. Fix your lighting

Try and work using natural light if you can. Studying near a window means you'll have access to natural light and you can let some fresh air in if you need to. While sunlight is great, make sure it's not shining directly into your eyes or causing glare on your computer screen. Why bother with unnecessary lighting distractions? On the flip side, working somewhere too dark will make it hard to concentrate, and might even strain your eyes. If you like working in the evenings, it's a good idea to invest in a reading lamp to illuminate your student study space.

4. Remove any clutter

Getting rid of any clutter on your desk will help to clear your head and prepare you for the learning ahead. Plus, it has the added bonus of helping to keep everything organised. So, before you start studying, get rid of any coffee cups, rubbish, used plates, or unnecessary distractions. Give your surface a quick wipe down too, so you don't accidentally put your freshly-made notes in a drink spillage or get preoccupied staring at a thick layer of dust.

5. Make it your own

Your student study space should be an area that you want to work in. You can help to make it more appealing by giving it some character. In the same way that you made your student house feel like a home by adding decorations, personalising your study area can make it feel more comfortable and inviting. Why not add some fairy lights or house plants? Or, if you can, putting up a notice board or corkboard allows you to display your revision notes and calendar, as well as any pictures or posters you might like.

Your student study space checklist

Ready to set up your study space? Make sure you have everything you need in one place before you start a study session. That way, you don't have to interrupt your flow to go and get something.

• Laptop/computer
• Charger
• Paper/notebook
• Flashcards
• Post-It Notes
• Pens and pencils
• Highlighters and coloured pens
• Textbooks
• Headphones
• Revision timetable
• Watch/clock
• Water bottle (stay hydrated!)
• Snacks

Ready to get revising?

With your student study space set up and ready to go, there's only one thing left to do - get revising. Spend some time in your newly renovated study area and go and smash those exams! If you need some revision advice, check out our article on the 5 best revision techniques for university students.