In the ever-changing educational landscape, having a personalized study space is necessary for productivity and creative thinking! This is particularly true if you’re an online student. Whether you travel often for passions outside of academics or not, having a designated home-based study space to do your coursework, research, and projects is vital to your success.

Below, you’ll find a list of top tips for crafting the perfect home study space – guided by the wisdom and experience of online students, educators, counselors and advisors themselves! Let’s get to it, shall we?

How to Begin Creating Your Home Study Space

Understand Your Needs
Before you make any moves, you need to understand your personal study needs. As a student, your academic requirements and coursework are constantly shifting, so it’s important for you to take that into consideration! What kind of desk would you like? Do you need additional lighting to accommodate a darker space? You’ll also want to consider the type of chair that will bring you most comfort. Don’t overwhelm yourself, but start with a small, simple list of essentials to serve as your blueprint as you set up your space.

Designing Your Study Space: Choosing the Right Location
Select a location that complements your study style and personality type. Some students prefer a quiet space that’s away from hustle and bustle, while others thrive in settings with noise and energy. Your space should reflect your personality while encouraging productivity. Choose wisely!

Purchase Your School Essentials
Remember the list of essentials you made? Bring that puppy to life! Whether you’re investing in new furniture and devices, borrowing from family members or friends, or somewhere in between, get your study space set up with all of the basics you’ll need to get your work done and any other projects you envision.

Collect Stationery and Supplies
Notepads, highlighters, planners…even though your coursework is online, you still want to have what you need to retain information and document questions at an arm’s length away. Collect the study supplies that will help you maintain a good workflow and keep track of things!

Personal Touches
Deck your walls with quotes and posters that keep you motivated and remind you of your aspirations. Bring plants into the picture! Invest in shelves or storage units to help with organization Let your space echo who you are.

Digital Organization for Students
Don’t forget how helpful apps and online tools can be! Especially if you are traveling often, utilizing certain applications to help streamline your learning, keep you organized, or remind you of deadlines could be a great move. Do your research and find what works for you!

Setting a Study Routine

Create a Study Schedule
Develop a realistic and flexible study schedule that accommodates your classes and external passions. At Laurel Springs, we want our students’ study schedules to foster a balance between academics and personal life. We know how important outside interests are! Find a study routine and commit to it so that regardless of where you are, you’ll feel prepared to conquer your school work.

The Importance of Taking Breaks
Everyone needs them, both physically and mentally! Take breaks to recharge and rejuvenate. Do some squats, go for a walk, listen to a podcast you love, put in some practice if you’re an emerging athlete, rehearse your lines if you have a performance coming up, or simply take time to do something that brings you joy! Breaks throughout the day (at least 5 minutes long and away from the screen) help you come back to your studies with fresh energy.

Leverage Your School’s Resources
Remember that you are not alone in your academic journey! Don’t hesitate to meet with your teachers directly or attend their office hours for help with coursework and certain learning concepts! At Laurel Springs, our entire staff is dedicated to empowering students and supporting them both inside and outside of the classroom. Our counselors and counseling department are available for academic and social-emotional support, and the student community at Laurel Springs is also an incredible place to find common ground with other students who share similar interests or are on the same academic path.

Setting up the ultimate study space can be overwhelming, exciting, and empowering all at the same time. As you begin personalizing your learning environment, remember to infuse it with elements that resonate with your personality, unique interests, and personal academic goals. After all, it’s YOUR space! Make it feel like home to you, and always lean on your support system to lift you up when needed!

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