How to Create the Perfect Study Environment for Online Learning

One common reason students are interested in online school is the flexibility it offers — you can take classes and study wherever you want, as long as there is an internet connection. Often, this is at home, where you may be juggling school with being a spouse, parent, or caretaker. The convenience is exceptional, but distractions can be a problem.

One way to stay focused is to create a study environment that minimizes distractions and puts you in the mindset to concentrate. Here is how to set one up.

Find a Do-Not-Disturb Space

Your time is precious, and interruptions can affect your productivity. Research shows that it can take 23 minutes on average to regain deep focus after being interrupted. Wherever you study, make sure it's as private as possible.

If it's a space in your home, let your housemates know when it's study time and not to disturb you. If you have a spouse or child knocking on your office door every 10 minutes, it may be difficult to get any meaningful work done. You can even hang up a “Do Not Disturb” to send a clear message.

If you are going somewhere public to study, consider a private room at a library instead of working in a busy coffee shop.

Remove Distractions

Similar to interruptions, try to minimize any distractions. Study in a place without a TV, bed, snacks, or anything else that can be distracting.

You should also consider putting away your smartphone and avoiding other digital distractions such as social media. A study published in Contemporary Education Technology found that digital distractions can lead to lower grades and GPAs as well as lower overall academic achievement. When studying, ensure you’re visiting sites and/or apps that are relevant to your coursework.

Take Short Breaks

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that taking a short break from learning may actually help strengthen your memory of what you just learned.

The researchers also found that replaying what you just learned during your rest period can lead to enhanced performance. This means your study breaks should include activities that allow your mind to go over what you just learned. These can include meditation, listening to music, taking a walk, preparing a meal or snack, or even just standing up and stretching.

>>Read More: The Online College Student's Guide to Success: Tips, Tools, and Resources

Embrace Nature

If you are going to decorate your study space, get inspired by nature. Being exposed to indoor plants may lead to “significantly higher academic achievement,” according to an article in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. And a research review by the World Economic Forum found that indoor plants may also boost both mental and physical health.

Natural light is great for a study environment for online learning, too. If you study during the day, choose a spot near a window. According to a case study published in the journal Sustainability, research showed that university students in classrooms with windows had better exam results than those who studied without natural light.

Don't Get Too Comfortable

Studying at home is convenient, but certain cues, like what you're sitting on or wearing, can make studying less effective.

If you study in bed, for example, you may be tempted to nod off or study in a position that doesn't keep you alert. The same goes for studying on a giant bean bag or comfortable couch. Wearing pajamas can put you in a relaxed mood, compared to dressing as if you were going to class or work.

Put yourself in a studying mindset in any environment by wearing daytime clothes and sitting upright in a chair or while standing. Adopting a straight posture can elicit a positive mood and higher processing speeds, according to research published in Acta Psychologica, which can give your studying sessions a boost.

Make Sure Your Study Space Is for Studying

As much as possible, try to limit your activity in your study space to studying. When you're done studying, turn off the computer and leave until you come back to study next time.

For more tips for online students, check out our online learning resources. If you’re ready to learn more about any of the more than 175 online programs offered by Purdue Global, request more information today.