Where you study can be just as important as what you study. Studies have shown that the environment in which you study affects your ability to remember information. Higher education students have a lot of subject matter to learn and there’s no time to lose. The good news is that you can choose where to study. No matter where you live or where you study, take a look at some helpful tips to set up your home for optimal studying.
Choose one space that you like.
Designating a single room or area as a study space causes your brain to get into study mode. This is especially important when studying for exams or cramming information last minute. Bouncing from one library or coffee shop to another can be mentally disruptive and cause new distractions that need to be blocked out. Choosing a dedicated area at home that’s accessible can take the stress out of studying, especially when it’s decorated and arranged in a way that appeals to you.
Recreate the learning environment.
Context-dependent learning is the concept that you’ll retain information better in the same place you first learned it i.e. a lecture-style classroom with large windows. Creating an optimal studying environment means creating a study space that’s reminiscent of the same atmosphere where you’ll take exams. While it’s not practical to place desks and a podium in your home, you can recreate the learning environment by regulating temperature, smells, and sounds.
For example, when studying for a bachelor of science in public health online from the University of Cincinnati, you’ll learn the knowledge and skills necessary to become a leader in the health profession and help improve the health of people and communities. Undergraduate students learn about the public health care system in the U.S. and abroad, as well as emerging public health concerns like pandemic infectious disease and new threats to the environment.
The fully online program is ranked one of the best by U.S. News and World Report. The 120 credit hour online bachelor’s degree offers the flexibility of part-time and full-time scheduling, and upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the national Certified Health Education Specialist certification exam. An undergraduate degree in Public Health prepares you for a rewarding career in areas such as health educator, health communications specialist, environmental health specialist, disaster preparedness coordinator, and infectious disease specialist.
Be comfortable but not overly comfortable.
It’s important to be comfortable in your study environment, but being too comfortable can hinder your focus. Some students prefer to wear comfortable sweats and t-shirts, while others prefer to wear semi-professional attire to study. It’s a good idea to change out of sleepwear and athletic wear before sitting down to study. This signals to your brain that it’s study time, not relaxation time.
The temperature of your study environment can be just as important as how you set up your study space. Many homeowners don’t realize there’s an issue with their home’s HVAC system until they start hearing strange sounds or notice an increase in their heating bills. The heating experts at Allbritten HVAC have years of experience providing trusted heating services. The professional technicians can handle any type of system from traditional HVAC systems to ductless mini-split systems. Their heating repair, maintenance, furnace installation, and heat pump services are all backed by a money-back satisfaction guarantee. Ensuring your home’s heating is operating at peak performance improves the energy efficiency of your home while keeping your heating bills in check.
The right lighting matters.
Ensuring there is some degree of natural light in your study space brings the necessary warmth and vitality that optimizes your studies. Using the right type of lighting keeps your eyes comfortable and makes for a productive study session. Pay attention to the placement and positioning of the lights in your study space. It’s most effective to have light behind you and over your shoulder when reading, and the lampshade should be at chin level to keep the bulb out of view.
Choosing a dedicated study space, recreating the learning environment, being comfortable, and using the right lighting are all ways to optimize your studying.
