A clear space = a clear mind.

Start your study in a clean space, with all the essentials you might need and remove any distractions (put your phone on silent or better yet flight mode!) Find a space that's calm and away from the main happenings of your house so as not to be interrupted. If you’re studying outside of the house be mindful of where you are for example, if you’re studying in the library choose a spot away from high foot traffic areas like the printing area and if you’re at a cafe find a spot in the back or have your back to the main door or register so you’re not always looking up at what’s happening around you. TIP: Always pack headphones, this is the easiest way to transform any space that you’re in - drown out distractions and really focus. 

Take breaks.

Time away from studying is actually beneficial in being more productive while studying! Make sure to drink lots of water and take meal & snack breaks, do some stretches or take a 10 minute walk. You’ll find after just a 10 minute break you're energised and ready to put in another few hours of study rather than pushing through and burning yourself out. 

Time block your day.

Time Blocking not only allows you to efficiently schedule out your day it helps your brain to focus on specific tasks minimising the overwhelm. This is also how you can schedule in your breaks to fit around your study tasks - the A4 Weekly Planner has ample space to plan out your week with your lectures, tutorials, study breaks, socialising and time for self. Learn more about time blocking HERE.

Plan ahead.

Use the calendars in your diary or an A4 monthly notepad to work backwards from any deadlines (assignments due, exams etc) to effectively plan out when to start studying and what weeks you may need to focus extra attention on certain subjects or courses. Do this as soon as you receive deadlines to avoid getting caught out cramming at the last minute, this will allow you to have more time for yourself throughout your study weeks. 

Take effective notes.

Rewriting word for word what you’re researching is not an effective way to take notes. The thing to remember with note taking is that in any form it should be a summary of short sentences, phrases or dot points written in your own words so as to remember and make sense when reading back. If you take notes over the weeks when it comes to exams you’ll spend your study time revising and remembering key information rather than wasting hours writing notes and having little time to revise them. 

Up your study game with our range of Desk Essentials.