How to Create a Productive Study Space

When it comes to studying, your study space may have as much of an impact on your success as your ability to understand the material. Studies have shown the connection between a student’s learning environments and their productivity, which is especially important for students in higher education who require concentration and self-regulation when studying.

Balancing work, life, and learning can be challenging, but the right study space can transform your productivity and help you stay on track. Whether you have the space and option to study at home or need to study elsewhere, there are things you can do to make your study area a more productive place. By creating a space that’s comfortable, organized, and tailored to your needs, you can set yourself up for focused, effective learning—no matter how busy life gets.

Things to Consider for an Effective Study Space

As you cultivate your study space, the first step is to identify your study goals (what do you need/want to get accomplished during the study session), and an estimate of how long you plan to use the space to study. For example, if you are studying at the dining room table in your home, consider when you will use the table for meals and plan around that. If you study at a local cafe or library, check their opening and closing times. As you prepare to study, it is also important to reduce your distractions, both physically and digitally.

“Many students say their biggest distraction during study time is a mix of mental overwhelm and digital temptation. They often struggle first with simply knowing where to start, and that moment of uncertainty opens the door to wandering thoughts,” says Kambree Moses, senior success coach at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). “Then come the constant pulls from the online world, which for some is the form of new articles, breaking news, and countless things on the internet competing for their attention.”

To prevent distraction on your phone, either silence or put your phone on “Do Not Disturb”. Some people even lock social media apps on their phones during their allotted study time to prevent themselves from checking in.

In your study space, consider the lighting you will be using during your study time. Natural light from a window, or a desk lamp positioned for no glare on screens can help reduce eye strain. If you are outside the home and there is overhead lighting, try to find a space that is not directly under one of the lights. Furniture can also play a role in productivity. An ergonomic chair that you can sit straight in (as opposed to a reclining chair) and a desk that is set at a height where you can have your elbows at 90 degrees (either sitting or standing) can help you be both productive and comfortable.

Frequently used items, such as notebooks, pens, and chargers, should be within arm’s reach. As you move through different subjects or notebooks, you may need to declutter regularly, putting different books away or minimizing tabs on your computer to keep yourself organized. Noise-cancelling headphones or white noise machines can minimize environmental noise, and music that boosts productivity can help with studying.

To ensure that your technology works for you rather than against you, check that you have reliable wi-fi or wired connections, your monitor or screen is set to a proper height, and you have surge protection to prevent power outages. You may also want to regularly check that your work is being saved.

These productive study spaces can be created both inside and outside your home. When choosing where to study, consider the study challenges you face and where those can best be limited.

"At home, life can feel hectic, and many say it is hard to find a quiet, dedicated place to study or stay focused with everything going on around them. When studying in places like libraries or coffee shops, students sometimes struggle with noise, distractions, or simply not feeling settled,” says Moses. “In both cases, the main challenge is creating a space where they can concentrate and stay consistent.”

Creating a Productive Space in Your Home

Finding a Productive Space Outside of Your Home

When choosing a study space outside of home, you may need to do some extra research before your scheduled study time.

“Study challenges differ from person to person—some like quiet spaces, others like noise and to be in group settings,” says Tasha Stephens, success coach at UMGC. “The important thing is to make the space your own; learn what works for you and stick to it. Find a designated space and time and make it comfortable for you to focus."

Look for available public spaces that may offer free wi-fi. Public libraries can offer a quiet space for better concentration, and some may offer use of computers for set periods of time and study resources such as whiteboards. A coffee shop can be less isolated for some and may inspire creativity. Some people enjoy the noise of coffee machines and people talking quietly; the ambient noise helping them focus.

“For students studying away from home, try to find a spot that feels calm and comfortable, like a library corner or table in your favorite restaurant or coffee shop, and keep small routines that help you stay centered,” says Moses. “I've had many students say that having a set time in their day for school every day is helpful.”

While some places may feel serene, they may not help you achieve your study goals. For example, a public park may seem like it has less distractions but may have spotty wi-fi and lack desks where you can put a laptop or notebook. If a local cafe only has comfortable reclining chairs, you might find yourself more relaxed than motivated to study.

“In both situations, the key is figuring out what works best for you so you can stay focused and make your study time feel smooth and productive,” says Moses. “If something doesn't work, try something different so you can find how you can be successful.”

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