1. Take Notes
Not just in your classes but when you are self-studying and completing your homework. Write down any questions you have so when you are in class next you can ensure you get this information clarified.
2. Find a study sound.
Whether this be silence, podcasts or the same album on repeat – find something that will help block out the background noise and keep you focused on the task at hand.
3. Time your coffee wisely.
Time your lunch and coffee breaks so that you are getting up and stretching after a long period of sitting. Think of when you were in primary school, you started at 9, had a break around 10:30am, lunch at 1 and then finished at 3. If you are starting at 8:30am a break at 10:30am, 1:00pm and 3:30pm spaces out your break (and snacks) wisely.
4. Take a breather
Don’t just take a coffee break, have a screen break. Go for a walk, do some stretches, something that is not looking at a screen or straining your eyes. This will help prevent headaches, dry eyes and will help you sleep easier at night.
5. Have a dedicated study space.
Not only will studying on the couch or in bed get uncomfortable, it can decrease your productivity. Sitting at the kitchen bench, dining table or at a desk is the best way to replicate your classroom environment at home.
6. Establish a routine.
On a normal day you would have a wake-up routine and a get home routine and studying from home shouldn’t change that. Just because you can sleep in until 5 minutes before class, doesn’t mean you should. Get up, shower, have breakfast, go for a walk – whatever it is you do before school on a normal day you are required to be on campus.
7. Don’t forget to eat.
When you are able to structure your own day, it is easy to forget to eat or just snack all day. Make sure you are still eating breakfast, lunch and dinner as you would on a normal school day.
8. Minimise distractions.
Argh procrastination is the devil. Make sure you minimise distractions where you can;
- Turn off the TV so you are focused on your studies
- Wear headphones to reduce noise disruptions.
- Close the door so you are unbothered.
- Ensure all your chores are done.
9. Get comfortable.
Make sure that your workspace is comfortable and as ergonomic as possible. Office chair, computer monitor, and external keyboard and mouse are ideal, but everyone has these. Kitchen chair with a towel or cushion as lumbar support can help with preventing a sore back and neck.
10. Have a finish time.
It is easy to fall into the trap of studying all day and into the night without realising what time it is. Remember that your normal school day ends, so should your study from home day. Set an alarm at the time you would normally finish and make sure you log off and walk away.