You’re making it to all your tutorials on time, taking pages of notes in every lecture and already have your exam revision timetable scheduled in your calendar, but something’s missing.
Your study space is a tired old university-issued desk pushed up against a blank white wall, and it’s inspiring you to do approximately…nothing at all.
All jokes aside, your study space really is an important part of your learning experience. It’s where you come to ‘download’ all of the information you’ve learned that day and it should feel like a sanctuary for you and your brain.
So how do we take it from white walls and old Blu-Tack to a space that inspires?
Colour theory and zoning
Many students don’t have the luxury of having a separate room to study in – in fact we know it’s much more likely that you just have a desk and chair squeezed into the tiny little bit of space not taken up by your bed. Still, it’s really important to create a distinction between your study space and your social and sleeping spaces.
You can use colours to help separate your spaces; creating clear boundaries and maximising what they can do for you. Some studies suggest blues, greens and neutrals are best for sleep, with yellows, warm reds and white being better for productivity, but really just pick a couple of colours that make you feel good and keep them in their designated ‘zones’.
If space allows, you could also use furniture and decor to help zone your space. A dressing table or tallboy can be used next to your desk to help section out a little nook for you to study in. Even better, a proper room divider works great if you can find one (hot tip: these are often really cheap on Facebook Marketplace or at estate sales!).
Decorate your walls
Just like a blank page at the start of an essay, a blank wall can create a sense of panic and boredom – two things we definitely don’t want to invite into our study space. If you’re allowed to use Blu-Tack or command strips (check with your accommodation provider first), fill that blank wall with things that inspire you.
It’s also a great opportunity to make your space feel a bit more like home, which can do wonders for your mental health when you’re trying to study. Pieces of art, quotes or even letters from home that connect you to your culture will help you to feel safe and calm, and these are two things we DO want to invite in.
The right equipment
When you’re dealing with limited space, it’s even more important to make the most of what you do have. While you might be stuck with the standard issue desk, you can add on a standing desk converter, allowing you to change positions during those long study sessions.
Another not necessary but very handy addition to your study space is a miniature bar fridge. If you’re sharing a house with other students, you might not feel like heading out to the communal space every time you want a cold glass of water or something to eat. You can tuck these down next to your desk and keep them stocked full of your favourite study snacks. No distractions today!
Budget hacks
We’re not here to tell you to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on your study space, but if you do have a little spare cash to spend, make sure you check out which stores near you have student discounts.
1. Some of the larger tech companies – like Lenovo, Dell, HP and Apple – offer decent student discounts on their computer and laptop setups.
2. Music can be a great help in setting the tone for your study space. Music streaming service, Spotify offers students 4 years of their premium service at a massively discounted price
Fantastic Furniture has a 10% student discount which makes a big difference if you’re needing to grab something on the pricier side, like an ergonomic chair or standing desk platform.
