Though there are countless benefits to earning an online degree through Georgia State, the biggest benefit is easily the flexibility. When you take courses online, you can go to class anywhere – while you’re sitting in a cozy coffee shop, enjoying a long weekend trip with your family, and most importantly, while you’re in the comfort of your home.
That said, being successful as an online student often means setting up a space to study at home that keeps you focused on your coursework. To celebrate National Work from Home Week, we’re sharing four tips for setting up the perfect online learning space.
1. Designate a specific study spot.
Though not everyone has the luxury of a home office, it is important to establish a space in your home where you can consistently cut out distractions and complete your assignments. If you don’t have a room in your home that you can dedicate solely to your studies, try finding a corner in your bedroom where you can set up a small desk, or choose a spot that you don’t use as regularly (think a guest bedroom or dining area) and set up for study time.
The most important aspect of your study spot is that you use it consistently. When you establish a specific space for coursework, you signal to your brain that it’s time to focus. Returning to that spot again and again sets the tone for productivity each time you get to work.
2. Eliminate distractions.
Learning from home is a convenient option, but it can also come with added distractions that students sitting in a classroom might not experience. When it’s time to study, make sure you turn off your TV and put your phone on silent. When you give your studies your undivided attention, you’ll not only be more productive, but you’ll also retain the information better.
3. Create a comfortable environment.
While we don’t recommend studying in bed, we do recommend creating a comfortable environment for coursework. Choose a chair that provides adequate support for long periods of sitting and helps you maintain good posture. Find a desk or table that is tall enough to prevent you from hunching over. If possible, set up in a space with lots of light, as studies have shown that good lighting is a major factor in the brain’s ability to focus. These small adjustments can make a big difference when it comes to your productivity.
4. Set boundaries.
Our final tip for setting up a good study space has more to do with communication than it does with the space itself. Studying at home means that you need to set clear boundaries around your study time, especially if you have family members or roommates at home with you. Make sure that you clearly communicate when you need some quiet time, and try to study when you’re home alone or when your children are sleeping.
Schedule time to study, and stick to it. Consider utilizing a wall calendar to chart out which times you’ll be focused on completing assignments, and refer those around you to it. Eventually, the other members of your household will adjust to your new routine.
Work Toward a Degree from Home
Ready to take the next step in your path to an online degree? Contact an enrollment coach today.