Advice on how to study from home more productively

November 27, 2020

Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the worrisome situation in Latvia and the world has students from various universities studying from home. Studying from home or dorm room is certainly harder ­­– there is no possibility to discuss matters with the lecturer, the comfortable couch and homework is distracting. Despite the challenges, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) remote study process does not lose the quality of content, because VUAS e-learning environment is highly developed and the modern IT technology allows for comfortable and interactive video lectures. We have prepared various tips for students to increase the productivity of remote studying.

Schedule your time.


In order for your day to pass productively, you have to schedule your time. Write down your lecture schedule, plan when and how much time will be needed to complete your homework, in order to adopt the learning material. Do not forget to take regular breaks between lectures and main studies. Studying for many hours straight is not recommended, because your brain can not absorb so much information in one go. It is recommended to take a 15-minute break after 1 hour of studying. Obviously, you have to schedule a break after completing everything. If information is perceived visually, it is useful to prepare a large-scale day or week plan and put it in an easily visible spot.


Arrange your studying workspace.


Find a place in your home where you will be able to study uninterrupted. Pick a place that is not associated with sleeping or resting. The best thing is to sit straight at a table. Keep that spot neat and tidy. After every studying session clean up your workspace, in that way you will save time and you will be able to immediately start studying the next time. Research proves that a messy workspace decreases productivity. By maintaining cleanliness around, you will be able to focus on the important matters. Remember – a couch or a chair will not be the best place to study.


Maintain a healthy lifestyle.


Sleep, at least, for 7-8 hours, in order to feel rested and have energy for studies. Do not forget to eat healthy and regularly. Your brain needs “fuel” to be able to work. Also – move, get up, stretch, move around a little from time to time. Take notice of your posture as you study. Do not forget about ventilation, because fresh air benefits brain function and helps avoid headache.


Put down your phone.


Research states that, if your phone is placed near you as you study, your productivity will decrease by 40%. We suggest turning off the sound, or better yet, turning the phone off completely during studies, in order to remove temptation of checking it every few minutes.


Communicate with classmates and lecturers.


In a time where it is not possible to meet your classmates and teachers, it is very important not to lose contact and to be socially active on the internet. Do not be afraid to write e-mails and ask questions to your teachers about incomprehensible topics. Create a classmate group, where you contact your classmates, discuss the lectures and help each other understand the adopted learning material.


Certainly, studying from home demands great self-motivation and, hopefully, these tips will help you and studies will become more productive.

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