Studying Surroundings

What does your studying environment look like? Some may choose to study in libraries, cafés or at home, but finding a working environment that suits you may be a good way to optimise your learning! Research has proven that several factors, including seating and light affect the way we study. Here are some of the factors: 

Comfort

Comfort level differs from person to person, and it is essential for everyone to find their ideal study setting. Here are some things that constitute comfort: 

  1. Seating and posture - just like sleeping, having good seating posture is scientifically proven to help one concentrate better. Investing in a good chair, or adjusting the height of your desk may even help to prevent that after-study neckache. 

  2. Temperature - research shows that studying in a room that is either too hot or cold reduces our ability to soak up information. It is good to find a study spot with sufficient ventilation and a comfortable temperature. 

Lighting 

Studies have found that studying in naturally lit environments typically achieve higher grades than those in dimly lit settings. You may achieve this ideal setting by: 

  • Positioning your desk near windows 

  • Studying during the day, or in brightly lit rooms 

  • Avoiding using fluorescent lamps, as they make you feel tired quickly 

Noise

Some people prefer studying in complete silence, while others may thrive working in environments with background noise or music. While this is entirely up to personal preference, too much noise may be a distraction. 

If you enjoy studying in a calm and quiet environment, you may: 

  • Study at a library

  • Study at night

  • Study in a quiet study room 

Conversely, low-level background noise has been proven to encourage creativity and help you relax while studying. If this environment suits you, you may: 

  • Study at cafés

  • Study in the classroom

  • Play soft music or ambient noise 

Clutter 

Studies have found that mess and clutter negatively affect one’s learning availability, creating feelings of stress and anxiety. You may consider tidying up your study space before you start studying to optimise learning. 

Everyone has a personal preference when it comes to their learning environment, and it is important to find what works for you to optimise your learning. Keeping the above factors in mind, you can create your ideal workspace for effective learning! 

Resources: 

https://www.ucas.com/connect/blogs/how-your-surroundings-affect-way-you-study 

By: Shana Lam

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