Top tips for studying at home

As government guidelines for colleges begin the shape the new year, it’s important that students take the necessary steps to ensure that learning is not impacted. 

Take a look at our 9 top tips for students studying from home and maximise your learning potential!

1) Stick to a daily routine
By creating a consistent routine to accompany your learning, you are replicating your traditional learning environment, whether that be your timetabled lessons or regular college opening hours, by planning out your day similarly to your usual learning programme, the feeling of negative change is reduced. 

2) Create a dedicated study area
It’s vital that you replicate the study area that you are used to at college, by sitting upright on a desk or table space, you are replicating the learning environment that you are used to, a tidy workspace leads to a tidy and clear mind to begin learning. 

3) Determine a study schedule
Although you can’t necessarily attend your usual lessons in person, the college are working hard to ensure all students are offered a virtual learning environment which enables them to attend all of their regular lessons, from external virtual talks, webinars and lectures to individual study and assignment time, your tutor will be on-hand to ensure your learning is maximised throughout the home-learning period. 

4) Stay connected to your peers
Stay connected! It’s important that you stay connected with your college friends, fellow students and peers, by doing so, you will ensure that you stay up-to-date with your course, don’t forget you can request additional learning resources from your tutors if you wish. 

5) Have a positive mindset & stay focused
Positivity is key – We appreciate that the past year has been a difficult period for our students, but we are proud of the dedication to learning that we have witnessed during challenging times, and you should be too! 

There are many different ways that you can build a positive mindset, from maintaining a regular sleep schedule to taking time in the day to exercise or go for a walk, it’s important that you are kind to yourself and ensure that you do not become overwhelmed. 

6) Turn off the TV and avoid any distractions
Studying at home can be made increasingly more difficult when there are distractions within the house, from television to games consoles, mobile phones or just the company of others, it’s easy to get distracted. 

With this in mind, it’s important that you focus on what helps you when studying, some students enjoy listening to music, some enjoy working in silence, identify what your best learning environment is and take the necessary steps required to avoid any distractions to your learning. 

7) Eat and drink regularly
Just as important as sleep and exercise, it’s important you allocate yourself regular breaks to refuel with a hot drink, and take time to ensure you have a lunch break, similarly to what you would have at college. 

8) Treat and reward yourself for your hard work 
Just because you are at home doesn’t mean you can’t reward yourself for your learning, breaking up assignment work, revision, or other studying with deserving rewards helps keep you motivated, maintain a positive mindset and encourage you to continue working hard. 

9) Ask your tutor for learning resources
Your tutors are there for you throughout the home-learning period, via email or via the college’s proposed virtual learning environment – Don’t be afraid to ask them for help, or for any additional learning resources or information to help you achieve the best grades you can.