Find your
SPACE
If you always find yourself hitting the books in the same place,
switching up your study setting could offer a different and
enlightening perspective
Where do you do your homework? Many opt or reading a comic, can help to put you in a
for traditional desk spaces and lots of students positive frame of mind ready for learning.’
have to keep their studies confined to their What better reason to pick up your books
bedrooms, but have you ever thought about and find somewhere that will make you smile?
stepping away from your usual place? Or perhaps you can go there with friends to
Good mental health is often about striking the channel some positive vibes (if they’re not
right balance. We know it’s common to use your too distracting).
bedroom for work, rest and play, so it’s important ‘It’s helpful to find a place that makes you
to enjoy a change of scenery when it comes to feel calm, able to concentrate and happy,’
revision and homework. says Hannah. ‘This will likely be different for
It’s something Stephen Buckley, head of each person. Some people like the quiet of
information at mental health charity Mind, a library, the social nature of a family dining
advises: ‘There are lots of things you can room, the openness of a garden or the
do to make sure you keep a good work-life cosiness of a bedroom. But watch out if you
balance. One thing that can help create clear choose to use your bedroom – can you
boundaries between school or university and resist lying down for a nap? Also, think
home is working in a designated space at your about whether phones and tablets are
institution, like a library, or taking your books a help or a distraction.’
and heading to a café.’ If you do choose your bedroom,
Our surroundings also have a big impact ‘try to adjust the environment to suit
on the way we feel, says educational the activity’, as suggested by Stephen,
psychologist Hannah Morris. ‘Anxiety and worry ‘for example, by lowering the lighting,
both make it harder for us to remember what temperature and noise levels when
we’re trying to learn. Sometimes sitting at a it’s time to sleep’.
table makes us immediately feel or think in Wherever you choose to study, do
a negative way. your best, try not to compare your
‘Doing something that makes you laugh just work to other people’s efforts – and
before you study, like playing with your pet remember to take a break, too.
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Libraries
Whether it’s your local one or somewhere more
landmark, such as the British Library in London
or the State Library Victoria in Melbourne,
Australia (which both have lots of study areas
that you can use for free), libraries are a great
place to take time to study. They’re often quiet,
filled with facilities such as computers and
internet access, and they’re also packed with
resources if you need to do any research.
Fresh fields
If you fancy a change of scenery,
here are five wonderful places to study
Parks
If you’re blessed with lovely weather, there’s
nothing like taking your study session al fresco.
You can arrange to meet friends or just take
a wander by yourself. Find space on a bench,
use a blanket to read on the grass or take your
study cards and test yourself if you’re doing
revision. It’s a great way of getting fresh air and
a different perspective.
Cafés
Café culture has caught on across the world.
Whether you want a cosy place with squishy sofas
or a formal coffee bar with tables and chairs, they
can all provide a space to enjoy a different working
environment for a couple of hours. Some might find
the low hubbub of activity and ambient noise helps
them to focus more than the silence at home.
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Bookshops
We’re not suggesting you turn up to your
nearest bookshop and plant yourself on the
floor to work, but keep an eye out for those
with lounge areas. Popular spots such as
Downtown LA’s The Last Bookstore in the
US encourage visitors and reading groups,
and there are plenty of smaller, local shops
doing the same. Bookshops are also a great
place to peruse the shelves when you take
a break from your studies.
Museums
Museums and galleries aren’t just made for
browsing. Many offer free entry and lots
have study areas or cafés that provide great
places to work. You’ll be surrounded by a lot
of inspiration too – perfect for any breathers –
and you might even find the exhibitions helpful
for research.
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Equip ment needed
B e st st udy partners
Notes on topic
Why not take a moment to consider
what makes the best, most productive
study session for you? There might be
differences according to which subject
you’re swotting up on
WORDS: LAURA GABRIELLE FEASEY. ILLUSTRATIONS: [Link]. HANNAH MORRIS – [Link]
Idea s of where to go
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