Tips for studying at home

Studying from home can be both flexible and challenging. With the right routines and study environment, you can make the most of your time at home. Here are some useful tips to help you stay focused, organised, and motivated while learning remotely.

Create routines that work

Create good routines that work for you. Get up on time, get ready and have breakfast. It can be a good idea to go for a walk and get som fresh air before you start studying.

Create a Dedicated Study Space

Set up a designated area for studying at your desk or kitchen table where all your essentials — books, pens, study guides, and a calendar — are within easy reach. A well-organised space can help you stay focused and productive. Designating a space solely for studying usually makes it easier to get started.

• Let your bed be a place of rest and not a place for studying.
• It is good if you have the possibility to vary your working position, for example by standing up from time to time.

Planning your time

When you plan your time, you create an overview of your day, week and course. You'll then see more clearly what you need to do and it's usually easier to get started. Another advantage of planning is that you don't have to remember everything. Once you have written it down in the planner, you can let it go. It is important to find a way that works for you, so if the plan doesn't work, don't give up. Make a new plan instead. You can also get help from Study Help (Studiehjälpen). At Studiehjälpen you can get continuous support regarding study techniques, study planning and motivation.

• Create a realistic and sustainable plan.
  Develop a study schedule that is achievable and easy to maintain.
  
• Prioritise rest and recovery
  Set aside at least two days a week for rest to recharge and prevent burnout.
  
• Establish clear boundaries
  Decide on a daily cut-off time for studying, and once you reach it, fully disengage from academic work.
  
• Schedule time to make a new plan.

Use a calendar (paper or digital), or use our weekly planners from Studiehjälpen.

• To-do list – simple list Pdf, 119.3 kB.
• To-do list – with weekdays Pdf, 156.5 kB.
• Weekly planner – one week Pdf, 169.1 kB.
• Weekly planner – five weeks Pdf, 135.9 kB.
• Weekly planner – five weeks (fillable) Word, 251.7 kB.
• Weekly planner – ten weeks Pdf, 107.1 kB.

Take regular breaks

Taking breaks from studying is important for both health and concentration. It's easy to become sedentary when studying at online, so set a timer for 25–45 minutes and take a short break when the bell rings.

• Do some squats or run up and down the stairs a couple of times during the break.
• Also plan a longer break for lunch. You can also take the opportunity to go for a walk.

Reduce your distractions

Reducing your distractions will make it easier for you to stay focused on your studies. Start by identifying what distracts you. Here are some general tips that tend to help most students:

• Turn off the sound on your phone and preferably put it in another room when you are not using it. There are also settings on your phone to limit your screen time in different ways.
• Don't study in front of the TV.
• Close down tabs on your computer with social media and other temptations.
• Don't study in front of dishes or laundry that needs washing.

Keep in touch with fellow students

Make sure you keep in touch with your fellow students. Create study groups where you can exchange thoughts and ideas. Have a coffee together online, preferably with the camera on, so you can see each other.

Get moving

• There are many benefits to being physically active. Any form of movement has a positive impact on your health. You will become more alert, stronger and your memory may improve. In addition, exercise both reduces stress directly and has a preventive effect against stress. It also helps you sleep better. So, try to make movement and physical activity part of your daily routine. It will have a positive impact on your studies.
• Make movement a regular part of your daily routine and avoid sitting still for long periods.
• Exercise 2–3 times a week. Walking is a good place to start.

Fuel Your Body for Focus and Energy

Maintain steady energy levels throughout the day by eating balanced meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — along with a healthy snack when needed.

Use Smart Apps

There is a wide range of smart apps and digital tools to can be helpful when you study. There are apps that can help you stay focused, manage your screen time and keep track of time while studying. There are also apps for glossaries, to-do lists, mind-maps, recordings, notes and much more. Use apps that can help you, but don't let technology take up too much of your time.