Creating a productive workspace can be the step you’re missing to maximising your output and achieving your goals. Having a well organised and comfortable workspace at home can help you stay focused and motivated throughout the day. Changing little things can go a long way, keep reading to find out how you can transform your working space! 

Clear the Clutter 

You may not even realise how a messy and unorganised room is inhibiting your productivity. 

• A messy desk can be distracting, making it difficult to concentrate. Do you find it difficult to concentrate in your room? This can be because you associate it with just sleep – so focus on making your desk a haven for just studying to create the separation between work and play. Make sure to keep things that you’ll need to grab like post-its, pens or chargers 
• Most students are prone to neglecting cleaning their room from time to time. This can feel distressing, and make you feel like the last thing you want to do is study. Start small: fold some clothes, invest in a candle, and throw away your rubbish. Once you’ve cleared your headspace, you’ll be able to study in peace

Have good lighting

• Good lighting is essential for a productive workspace. Natural light is best – as exposure to vitamin D can help you focus and provide extra study benefits like good sleep habits, and an improved mood.  
• If you don’t have any natural light, or if you’re studying in the evening, make sure you have a good quality desk lamp. Make sure to avoid harsh, fluorescent lighting – it won’t energise you or force you to wake up, it’ll likely just leave you with strained eyes and a headache 

Create your ideal environment 

• Some students can only study in a cafe or a library – but this can come to be an expensive or inconvenient habit, it’s not great for a student budget and can limit your study hours. Consider what it is about a cafe or library that lets you study and recreate it at home. Is it buying a coffee? Make yourself a hot drink – adding all the extras you’d get at a coffee shop
• Get comfortable: comfort is key when it comes to creating a productive workspace. Although it’s important to feel comfortable, try not to work from bed – this will never end well! Consider investing in a high-quality chair, an ergonomic keyboard and mouse, and a monitor arm or stand instead. This will help prevent back pain, eye strain, and let you focus on what’s important. 

Reduce distractions 

• Between the creaky stairs and flatmates talking in the kitchen, it can be tough to study in a student house. To minimise distractions, consider using noise-cancelling headphones, and let your flatmates know that you’re studying. You can also try studying at times where most people aren’t home – if you’re a night time worker, take advantage of this as it’ll be a quiet time to study
• Put your phone away! Having your phone near you is the top productivity killer – simply turn your phone off and keep it completely out of reach. If you need your phone near you, you can use productivity tools such as limiting your time on social media apps. If you have an iPhone, go to Settings > Screen time, then turn on your chosen limit. If you have an Android, you can use Family Link
• Your normal playlists can be distracting, but complete silence can be equally difficult to work with – here’s a time to try Sound Therapy! Brown, white, and green noise are some popular types: it’s a static-like, low-frequency background noise that can help with concentration. If you need to study, try brown noise – it sounds like a rushing river or being on an aeroplane. If you need to concentrate while you study, try white noise: it has been proven to help with reading and writing speed in some people

Take a break 

• No matter where you are, it’s important to take a break! Sitting at your desk for extended periods of time can be detrimental to your health and your productivity. Take short breaks every so often to stretch, walk around or talk to a friend. This will help you stay focused throughout the day
• Napping has been proven to improve productivity if you do it right. Spacing out your study sessions with a nap can be an effective way to study, especially if you get groggy during the day. You’ll already be at home – so taking a quick 20-30 minute nap will fit easily into your study routine. Make sure not to leave it too late – napping in the late afternoon or early evening can disrupt your normal sleep schedule 

Be sure to check out the Roome website, where we post loads of tips and tricks for university students every single week. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook to learn more about how we’re revolutionising the student housing market!