The unpredictable nature of the past couple of years has propelled students collectively into learning a key lesson we recognise now all too well: how to study at home. The home can be a place of inevitable distractions, and can be a hard location to translate into the optimal study scene. Unwanted distractions whilst trying to work often leads to the dreaded issue of procrastination. Therefore, it almost feels essential to regain some control and order to our study habits and routines, which having a clutter-free study space can only assist in. Adopting a more minimalistic desktop allows less chances for your thoughts to wander; allowing the mind to remain focused on work that needs to be completed.
An ideal workstation for many would be described by an organised, distraction-free desk. Too many items can mean too many opportunities to become side-tracked from your studies, finding yourself scrolling endlessly through social media, unaware of the amount of time that has passed. Finding this appropriate balance is key to suitable desk organisation in order for optimal productivity when studying. However, despite the clear rationale of why keeping a tidy desk will be of value to your university study, it is self-admittedly easier said than done to actually sustain an organised workspace. Nevertheless, there are a selection of tried and tested methods I have found useful to keep my desk considerably tidy, allowing me to study more effectively at university.
Arguably the most important aspect dictating the quality of your study session is your motivation to study in the first place. Acquiring the motivation to want to study is highly dependent upon the environment of your workspace itself. I have found apps like Pinterest and Tumblr are great places to find desk layout ideas. Searching terms like “desk organisation” brings up endless inspiration pictures that are certain to enhance motivation to keep an organised desk that suits your personal style. The ‘Academia’ aesthetic is a current trend in itself, and I have found by making your study space its own aesthetic, you can stay motivated and productive when it comes to utilising your space. However, a tidy desk doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Placing a few decorative items to make your desk personal and appealing is key. Having a dedicated study candle is a strong recommendation of mine, it helps to keep a relaxed environment and also studies have suggested that the associations of consistent scents can help you to memorise your notes.
Introducing a structure to your desk can keep it tidy and distraction free. If you dedicate an area of the desk, such as a small basket or container for rubbish and another for documents you want to keep safe, papers won’t build up or get lost. At the end of the day, you can then throw away the rubbish and store the important files, without them accumulating across your desk, increasing your stress at the end of the day.
Additionally, using a process to decide what items you should keep on your desk can be beneficial in keeping your study space organised and neat. Be conscious of the items or stationery you use daily, and any items you notice you aren’t using every day could be placed out of sight and in a drawer. This way your desk remains tidy and only the essential items are kept visible. This helps to organise the chaos that naturally accompanies a university student’s study session.
A less busy workspace is key in keeping stress levels low. The idea of studying can carry stress and anxiety for many students, creating consequential feelings of dread and avoiding facing your workload. I have found, in a consensus with many university students, that maintaining a neat and orderly study space can significantly help with this. Less unnecessary clutter and mess leads to less worrying about where all your notes are and how much work you have to do. Instead, your tidy desk will provide a comforting and relaxed environment where you can really be productive and engage in quality studying. This leads to an overall more productive and focused academic year.