Study Environment Tips

Flags: flexpage,

Study Environment

Once you have found the time to study, commit to a time and place, if possible, that meets your needs. The following are some aspects of study environment you may need to consider.        

Study Area: Be sure to work in a clear, organized area. Put away anything that may cause you to lose focus. Studying for short time periods on a bus, while sitting in the car, or during lunch can be effective if you’re the type of learner that can concentrate in noisier environments.

Food: If you are hungry when you are trying to study, it will inhibit your ability to focus. Be sure to eat before you study so you can concentrate on your work and not your talking stomach.      

Time of day: Study during your alert times (the time of day you are able to get the most done). Ask yourself if you are more alert/productive during the morning, mid-day, or evening and schedule study time accordingly. It is also helpful to study in the same study environment, so confusion or distractions do not occur. Take breaks so you don’t become overwhelmed.

Grouping: Do you prefer to learn or study alone, in small groups, or in large classes? Form study groups to prepare for tests and exams if you like to work in groups. Just remember to stay focused!

Posture/Mobility: Some people prefer to sit at a table or desk (formal posture) in order to concentrate and study effectively. Others are able to learn more easily while sitting comfortably on a sofa or lying on the floor (informal). Still others need to move about in order to learn and reading while walking on a treadmill might be appropriate. Further, some people have the ability to sit and study for long periods of time (high persistence), while others need to take frequent breaks (low persistence). Recognizing your posture and mobility needs will help you to plan where and when you should study. Also, make sure you have all of the materials you need when you begin studying.

Sound: Contrary to popular belief, not everyone needs to study in a perfectly quiet environment. However, if you do choose to study to music, choose Baroque classical music. The tempo and instrumentation of this music seems to be most compatible with study and learning for many students.

Lighting: Studies have shown that some people become depressed because of light deprivation during the winter months. If you are one of those people, you should try to study and spend as much time as possible in highly lit places. Other studies have shown that reading ability can be affected by the light contrast between print and paper color. There is a high contrast between black letters printed on white paper. Some people find it easier to read black print on blue or gray paper which has less contrast and is easier on their eyes. Being aware that light does make a difference, you should study in the environment that best matches your learning preferences.

Temperature: While you can't always control the temperature of a room, you should be aware of your preference for either a cool or warm environment. Dress in layers so that you can adjust to differences in classroom temperatures. Choose to study in the environments in which you feel most comfortable.