LibGuides: Making the most of your Library off-campus: How to create a study space at home

Hallam Library: top tips for creating your bespoke study space at home

Libraries are always happy to see their users but sometimes you may need to study at home or off campus. Here is our guide to help set up a study space at home!

Our first tip is put a plant in the space that you plan to work in! It is a really nice way to personalise your space! Take a look at the infographic below to find out more tips on how to create a study space at home.

Creating your study space

Download the infographic

Here are the rest of our top tips!

Top tip: If you can, close the door to the room in which you are studying. This may help signify to family or friends that you are busy and should not be disturbed.

Top tip: Motivate and reward yourself when you complete your study session goals. If you don't manage to meet the study session's goals, reflect on what stopped you and how could the next session be more productive?

Top tip: If music helps you focus, then use it! If you find music with lyrics distracts you... what about trying classical or instrumental music!

We hope you now have the study space that suits you and wish you well in your off campus studies!

How to set up your study space guides

How to sit at your desk correctly webpage from the wonderful NHS.
Remember to check the ergonomics of your study space and how you have set up your IT equipment. For example, will your back thank you if you sit on the sofa with a laptop for hours on end?!
How to make the perfect study station at home from the BBC Bitesize Team

Be smart like your tech: use technology to help you

Access to Remote Learning schemes from Hallam University
The University understands that in some cases students do not have access to the equipment they need in order to engage in their studies whilst on campus time is restricted due to social distancing. Funding is, therefore, available to help students purchase equipment so they can continue with their studies remotely during the COVID-19 crisis.
Assisitive technology from Hallam Digital Skills
Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional abilities of a person. The Assistive Technology service promotes and trains on the assistive software available on AppsAnywhere.
Student remote working guide from Hallam IT
This information is aimed at students and gives clarity on the technology available and recommended to help you work remotely.

Remember to take a break - exercise and food!

When you take a break, you may want to stretch your body with gentle stretching exercises, step outside for fresh air or make a cuppa! Whatever you do, be kind to yourself!

Take a look at the Active Wellbeing section of the Student Wellbeing Team pages to find out more about how exercise can help with wellbeing.

Eat well guide from the NHS
Eat well to help your brain stay fired up! Eat well to study well! Stay hydrated - drink to think!
Wellbeing information from the Student Wellbeing Service
Exercise makes you feel better. This doesn’t have to mean going to the gym. Instead, find something you enjoy that fits your level of mobility and fitness. This could be going for a run or walk, a bike ride, playing a sport or even gardening.