Studying at home definitely has its perks: it’s in a comfortable and low-pressure environment where you’re left to your own devices. However, it can also be very difficult when one takes into consideration all of the distractions that makes it so easy to procrastinate. Fortunately, here are some useful tips to boost productivity and minimise distractions during deadline season.

1. Have a designated study area

Being at home, one might be tempted to stay in bed all day. Plus, if you’re sleep deprived the temptation may be too much to bear. However, crawling into bed at night just doesn’t provide the same sense of relief when you’ve been using it as a study space all day. Try and have a designated study space, whether it’s the kitchen table or a desk, as a designated study zone. And most importantly, keep this space clean and organised so that you put all of your energy into studying (and less time trying to find a highlighter that works).

2. Create a timetable

As someone who has always enjoyed organisation and making lists, I can guarantee that making timetables do in fact work. Timetables help to organise your time efficiently; it is especially useful when you have multiple tasks on your hands. Write your schedule down so you can remember it and refer to it often. Set reasonable limits for how much time you spend studying each day and break your study session up into manageable chunks of time. Structuring your day ensures that things get done, and also ensures that you also have time to plan things that aren’t study-related too.

3. Eat healthily

The beauty of studying at home: you have a kitchen and fridge at your disposal. The downside of studying at home: you have a kitchen and fridge at your disposal. It’s important to keep your body and brain fuelled to help you stay in top form, so don’t forget to eat. However instead of binge-raiding the fridge, have a healthy snack whilst studying, but ensure that it’s prepared in advanced so you don’t spend too much time away from work.

4. Leave distractions in another room

The key to efficient studying it to leave all distractions in a different room until you have crossed a few things off your to-do list. My top tip is to just avoid all distractions completely, if you’re working in the kitchen, leave your phone in your bedroom. This way time flies by and things get done when they need to. When your mind draws a blank you won’t be inclined to check social media, instead you’ll be able to focus on what really matters.

5. Make notes

After classes are done, review and expand on what has been discussed. Reviewing notes helps move material learned from short-term memory into long-term memory, which will help when you have an exam to revise for. This may seem pretty simple but it also helps to make studying less overwhelming by condensing notes from class. Underline or highlight key words. Create visual aids like charts, story webs, mind maps, or outlines to organize and simplify information and help you remember better.

6. Be considerate

If you have been studying for a few hours, give yourself some well-deserved time off. Spend time with your family, help with household chores, and do the little things that make you feel good. One of the most crucial tricks for studying at home is making sure you’re allowing yourself enough social time, otherwise you’ll go crazy. Try allocating breaks efficiently so that you still have the time to be you.