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Studying at home like a pro

Now that all schools are closed until at least 6 April in an attempt to curb the spreading of the coronavirus, many universities of applied sciences offer some form of remote education. Tio also offers online classes that students can attend from home. What is the best way to study effectively at home? Here are 7 tips to help you out!

  1. Create a comfortable study environment
    Well begun is half done, after all. It all starts with the place where you want to study for the coming weeks. Make sure you have a pleasant and quiet workspace without any major distractions, so you can actually focus on your studies. Remember: a clear desk leads to a clear head. If you want, you can put some plants on your desk. This not only looks great, but can actually reduce your stress level as well!
  2. Set goals
    Start your day with a to-do list. What online classes can you attend? What homework assignments can you do? The more concrete you make this list, the better. It forces you to think about the most effective way to study.
  3. Create a schedule
    Do you have a ton of homework and can you no longer see the forest for the trees? Create a schedule to get a better grip on your workload. Ask yourself what you want to do, how much time you'll need for each task and when each task has to be done. This schedule will offer you peace of mind; after all, you can see at a glance what you have to do and when you have to do it to finish your work on time.
  4. Avoid distractions
    It seems innocent enough: reply to some WhatsApp messages or quickly respond to an incoming email. Before you know it, though, fifteen minutes have gone by. Every time you get distracted, you need a minute to regain your focus. As you can see, this is a very inefficient way to study. Instead, set your smartphone to airplane mode and turn off all notifications on your computer as well. The fewer distractions you have, the better your focus will be.
  5. Take breaks more often
    Another essential tip: take (short) breaks more often! Taking breaks regularly - even if only for five minutes - is necessary in order to give your brain time to recover and clear your head. Go make a cup of tea for yourself or take a stroll around the block. When you get back, you'll be refreshed and ready to go again!
  6. Stay motivated
    Do you struggle to find the motivation to study, now that you are stuck at home? Ask yourself why that is. Perhaps you do not fully comprehend the study material. In that case, ask your Tio lecturer or study coach for help. They can help you understand the course material better and stimulate you to bring out the best in yourself - even from a distance.
  7. Reward yourself
    Studying at home is not like studying at school - especially given the current circumstances. As a result, it requires (extra) discipline. Make studying more fun for yourself by celebrating (small) successes, such as making it through a difficult chapter. You can e.g. get a nice cup of coffee or watch an episode of your favourite show on Netflix. Let's be fair: studying is hard work. You deserve a reward from time to time!
How to create a comfortable study environment