Some Tips on Where to Study

You need a good study place to study well, so consider the questions posed below and find out whether your study place is the best place for you to study well. If you have an appropriate study space, then you should be able to answer YES to all of the following 7 questions.

1.  Is my study place available to me whenever I need it?

• Your study place does you little good if you cannot use it when you need it. 
  
• If you are using a shared study place, work out a schedule so that you know when you can use it uninterrupted.

2.  Is my study place free from interruptions and distractions?

• It is important to have uninterrupted study time. 
  
  
• Even one hour of study without distraction is more effective than four hours of study with interruptions. 

• How can you ensure that your study is free of interruptions?

• Turn off your cell phone or set it to silent.  No ring tones + no vibrations = no distractions.
  
  
• Turn off your IM feature on your computer, unless you are using it as a means to communicate with members of a study group.
   
• Don’t check your email while studying.  Set aside time to read it before you start studying or once you have finished.

3.  Does my study place have all the materials I need?

• Be certain that your study place includes reference sources and all of the supplies you generally need (e.g. graph paper, pens/pencils, rulers, calculator, a laptop or computer with internet access so that you can search library collections and download references from online journal archives, etc.).

4.  Does my study place have a large enough desk/table?

• While working on an assignment or studying for a test, use a desk of table large enough to hold everything you need. 
  
  
• Allow enough room for writing. 
  
  
• Try to avoid clutter. 

5.  Does my study place have a comfortable chair?

• An uncomfortable chair will interfere with your studying
  . 
• A chair that is too comfortable might make you sleepy.
   
• Find a chair in which you can sit for at least an hour and still maintain your attention. 

6.  Does my study place have enough light?

• You must be able to see clearly without any strain or discomfort.
  
  
• If you have a dark room or study place, consider adding a lamp or using a reading light.

7.  Does my study place have a comfortable temperature?

• If it’s too warm, you might become sleepy.
  
  
• If it’s too cold, you may become distracted.
  
  
• Select a temperature at which your mind and body function best.