How to Set Up a Productive Study Space in a Small Apartment

By Martina Efeyini

Many of us have lived at one point in our lives in a small apartment. When you live in a small apartment finding a productive study space can be a challenge. But no matter how small your apartment is, these tips will help you turn it into a productive study space.

Copyright (c) 2008 Connie and made available on Flickr under the Attribution 2.0 Generic license

1. Find a Study Space:
This is the most important step. Find a space you want to designate for study time only. Ideally you want to find a space that is separate from your bedroom, but especially important is that the space is not your bed. Since you sleep in your bedroom if you study chances are you will get sleepy. If studying in your bedroom is your only option, study at a desk. By studying at your desk, you will be able to sit with good posture and create an atmosphere for productive studying.

2. Create a Study Atmosphere:
After you find your space in your apartment you want to create a study atmosphere. Turn off your phone, turn off your television, and remove any distractions. When you are distraction free, you will be productive. Some distractions are inevitable but you have to train your mind to put yourself in a "study zone" so that distractions won't bother you. This can be challenging at first, but the more you practice putting yourself in a "study zone," the easier it will become.

3. Use the Pomodoro Technique:
The Pomodoro Technique involves setting a timer while studying without interruptions for 25 minutes. At the end of your Pomodoro, you can give yourself a little reward. The more you use the Pomodoro Technique, the more productive you will be. You can buy the timer, set your own timer, or use an app on your phone.

4. Focus on Chunking:
Chunking involves studying in small chunks instead of one long study session. Review your notes and then recall them. After that take a break or study something else before you come to that subject again. This will help you retain information.

5. Get Enough Sleep:
One very important tip to study productively regardless of your apartment size is to get enough sleep. Being well-rested helps you to ignore potential distractions. Eventually you will train your mind to go into "study zone" as soon as you go to your study space and create a study atmosphere.

Correction: The original version of this article misattributed the name of the "Pomodoro Technique" as "Pomerado Technique".

What are your tips for studying in a small space? Comment below to help your fellow Scientistas.

About the Author

Martina G. Efeyini is a native of Maryland and has a B.S. and M.S. degree in Toxicology. Her goal is to earn her Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology focusing on vaccine development of malaria. In her spare time she enjoys doing DIY projects, reading and hopes to do research abroad in the future.

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