Why Finding the Right Study Place is Crucial for Your Success

As the new school year or semester begins, one of the things that students often overlook is scouting for the perfect study place. Most students think that as long as they have a table, a chair, and their study materials, they can study anywhere. However, finding the right study place is crucial to your academic success.

In this article, we will discuss why finding the right study place is important and provide tips on how to find one.

Comfort vs. Productivity

For most people, comfort is synonymous with productivity. However, when it comes to studying, comfort can sometimes be a hindrance to productivity. If you study in a place that is too comfortable, like lying down on your bed or couch, you are more likely to fall asleep or get distracted. Instead, it is better to find a place that is conducive to studying, where you feel alert and focused, even if it may not be the most comfortable.

In Ron Padgett’s book, “Creative Reading,” he shares a hilarious anecdote of his teenage attempt to create a ‘nirvana’ for reading, complete with pillows, background music, a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign, cold drinks, and cookies. Unfortunately, he ended up falling asleep, proving that comfort doesn’t always equal productivity.

Variety is Key

Different people have different preferences when it comes to studying. Some prefer complete silence, while others need a little background noise to help them concentrate. Some prefer working alone, while others work better in a group. The key is to find a place that caters to your specific study needs.

If you like working in silence, the library is the best place to start. Look for a lesser-used area or a section where you can work without being disturbed. On the other hand, if you like a livelier setting, a coffee shop or a park may work better for you. If your dorm room is too noisy, try using an ambient sound app to mask the distractions.

Make it Your Own

Once you’ve found the perfect study place, make it your own. Bring in some study materials or personal items that will make you feel more comfortable and help you focus. You can even personalize the area by putting up some pictures, inspirational quotes, or a vision board.

Creating a conducive study environment helps program your brain to associate the space with studying. Once you train your brain to recognize the environment as a study place, it will be easier for you to switch on your concentration mode.

Building a History

Finally, a study place becomes more potent the longer you use it. Returning to the same place to study over a long period creates a history that links the place to your study habits. This can further increase your productivity levels.

Take Michael Leddy’s experience as an example. He found a table on the third floor of his university library that he has been using for years. The familiarity and routine of using the same place to study make it easier for him to get things done.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the right study place is crucial to your academic success. A study place that is conducive to learning, even if it is not the most comfortable, can improve your concentration and productivity. Also, keep in mind that different people have different preferences, so take the time to find a place that caters to your specific needs. Once you’ve found your perfect spot, create a personal touch that will help your brain recognize the environment as a study place. Lastly, use the place consistently to build a history that can help you focus and be more productive.