Five top tips for studying at home

Studying at home sounds ideal – snacks on demand, cosy clothes and if you’re lucky, maybe even your pet dog to keep you company. But anyone who has tried to do homework knows there that focusing on your studies at home can present its own challenges. As schools close around the world in response to the Coronavirus, we want to help you to stay on track with your learning. Here are our five top tips for studying at home:

1. Plan your time

Much like planning for revision, to keep your learning going, make sure you plan your day. Breaking up your day into bite-size chunks will help you to stay motivated and avoid getting overwhelmed. A timetable is a great way to keep you on track, especially when you have lots of subjects to cover. Some people even recommend putting on a timer as it helps you keep track of how long you are spending on a particular topic.

2. Create a productive space

Try your best to find a study space in your home away from noise and distractions whether it is your kitchen table or a desk in your bedroom. Creating a dedicated space will help you switch into the mindset of studying. It also enables you to reserve the other space in your house for fun and relaxation.

3. Take breaks

It may seem counter-intuitive if you are working hard on a project but taking breaks is essential. Studies have shown that taking a break helps you reset and see problems in a new way. So, take a stroll (if you’re able to), do a free yoga video on Youtube, or in true British fashion have a cup of tea.

4. Stay connected

In 2020 studying at home doesn’t need to mean studying alone. Discussing topics with other students is a great way to solve problems and learn new perspectives. Why not use a collaboration platform that supports live-video communication such as Google Hangouts or Zoom? Setting yourself a task and keeping to a fixed time will help you stay on track.

5. Be kind to yourself

Sometimes studying from home won’t go exactly to plan. Maybe your mum needs you to look after your baby sister, or you need to drop a neighbour some supplies? If interruptions do happen, remember to be kind to yourself, reschedule your study time and keep focused. Your education is essential, and with a little bit of planning, studying from home can be an effective way to learn.

If you’re looking for more top tips for studying at home and getting ready for your exams, read our revision tips: The Ten Step Guide To Acing Every Exam You Ever Take and   How To Use Post-It Notes For Revision.