Creating the Perfect Study Space in Your Apartment

Creating the perfect study space drastically impacts how effective your studying time will be. In fact, it can make all the difference between acing that exam or flunking it. To ensure that you stay focused and in the zone, here are some tips to help you create the ideal study environment in your apartment.

How to Create a Good Study Space That Inspires Focus

Creating a good study space that helps you focus is about setting the tone for success. Whether you’re in a bachelor apartment or a larger space with roommates, a zone that reflects your study habits can boost both focus and comfort. In a busy city like Ottawa, students at both Carleton University and uOttawa are likely to benefit from creating the perfect study space that allows them to focus during midterms, exams, and everything in between.

Aim for Natural Light

We humans love natural light, and being exposed to even a little sunshine helps us stay focused. It’s also healthier for the eyes and skin than artificial light. Take advantage of natural light whenever possible throughout your apartment:

• Choose a spot that is near a window, such as a corner nook, and position your desk perpendicular to it to take advantage of sunlight during the day. This can help balance the light on your screen, reducing eye strain and improving your mood.
  • Avoid setting up your desk with a view of the window, as it can cause eye strain.
  • Try not to place your desk behind the window, as the light can reflect from the screen to your eyes, also causing eye strain.
• If you don’t have access to a window, place a mirror or two nearby to reflect and disperse the light, brightening up your space.

Creating a Cozy Study Environment

If you’re sitting for hours curled over a desk in an uncomfortable chair, you’ll likely be more focused on your pain and discomfort than your study material. The key is to make the space comfy and conducive to strain-free work, but not so cozy that you’ll be tempted to doze off. Give your body and mind the best treatment to retain all the necessary information by making your space comfortable.

• Invest in a comfortable chair, ideally a business-grade chair with proper ergonomics.
• Use a desk that’s at the right height for you; an adjustable standing desk is a great option. 
• Add a lamp with adjustable light to ensure you’ll have enough light to properly see what you’re reading on rainy days or in darker rooms without straining your eyes.
• Add cozy touches like a throw blanket, a desk plant, or a warm-toned desk lamp to create a more welcoming and calming study environment.

Avoid Distractions

The number one detriment to studying is, of course, distractions.

• Ensure your study space is located in a secluded area, away from distractions such as roommates, family, or noisy environments.
• Leave your phone in another room or use an app to help you avoid the temptation to check messages or social media during study time.
• Use drawer organizers, cable holders, and small bins to stay organized, especially in shared apartments or smaller units.

Reduce Unwanted Noise

For those who struggle with ambient noise, even the sounds of traffic rushing by can be enough to pull your attention away from your material.

• Consider adding a rug to your space to dampen the sounds.
• Try using noise-cancelling headphones, wireless earbuds, or even a white noise machine to muffle out any sounds. 

Stay Organized by Eliminating Clutter

Clutter can weigh you down mentally and physically. Try to clear away any excess clutter so you’ll enjoy spending time in your study space rather than dreading it. Decluttering is crucial to allow the space to breathe, creating a more welcoming and cozy feeling, rather than a cramped and difficult-to-navigate space:

• Reducing the number of colours in a space.
• Avoid filling your home office area with knick-knacks.
• Try not to cram a bunch of furniture closer together.

Invest in High-Quality Equipment

Low-resolution computer monitors and laptop screens can make studying or working from home exhausting for your eyes and mind.

• Invest in high-quality, higher-resolution monitors that can display brighter and sharper images, leading to reduced eye strain.
  • Set them at a height so that your eyes line up with the centre of the screen. This may require swapping out your desk, chair, or screens, but it’s well worth it. A cheap monitor stand from Amazon may also do the trick!
• Consider your keyboard? Are you using a tactile device that facilitates fast typing, or do you prefer an ergonomic design with minimal travel to minimize wrist strain?

Add Plants to your Study Space

Plants not only look great, but they also provide various wellness benefits. Helping lower anxiety, promote calmness, and can even increase memory, concentration, and attentiveness. Add a few of your favourite plants to your study nook to take advantage of the health, wellness, and décor benefits. Popular types include:

• Monstera
• Snake plants
• Cacti
• Succulents
• Ferns
• Trailing plants (these can be hung from baskets).

Your Ideal Study Space Starts at Home

To perform at your best as a student, consistency and your environment are key. Create rituals around your space: same time, same seat, same setup. Pair that with a clutter-free layout and soft background music or white noise, and you’ve built a space where productivity flows.

From natural light to noise control, small upgrades to your study space can make a big impact. Ready to thrive in school and at home? Browse CLV Group’s student-friendly rentals and read our guide on avoiding rental pitfalls to set yourself up for success.