Study Tips for Students:
Different Types of Environments for Studying

Deciding where to study can be just as important as how much or how hard you study. The environment you choose can determine your mood, comfort level, and the efficiency with which you study.

Take the library. Public libraries are great because they are generally spaced out across all cities and towns, whether you live in a suburbia or rural area, many are easy to get to. Inside, public libraries offer open, social spaces where you can read, study, or chat with a study partner. There are also many hidden spots in a library which a student can venture without ever being found. With coves and nooks to hide and make your own private space to read an entire novel, or write a term paper or report; if you are a silent environment studier, this can be accomplished.

Certain environments that students may not expect can offer a great place to study. For example, does a coffee shop, Laundromat, or café sound like inviting as places to study? Well, you would be surprised that many people, particularly today's generation of students, have adapted and conformed to the current digital age of iPods, wireless internet, and other electronic distractions that have essentially made people lightly chatted into white noise compared to these interactive components. So, today's coffee shops and cafes, while they are riddled with people connected to various devices, can actually be calming and conducive to learning if you manage your time effectively.

For example, walk into a new age coffeehouse. The first thing which catches your attention is the seating arrangements. There are couches spread throughout the store, many people busily working on their laptops or reading while taking notes or highlighting. Coffeehouses have become the new library where study groups now meet in a more laid back and relaxed atmosphere.

When it comes to study environments, the trick is to know which areas work well for you. If you are in a bookstore and the music being played is too distracting, then this particular bookstore is not the right place for your study environment. In a home, sometimes students will find an area of the home which is perfect for them. A basement, a closet, outside on the deck; each individual knows what distracts them and what helps when studying.

When a learning environment does not seem to work, don't try to force it to work; just get up and try a different one. Being comfortable and calm should be two main concerns when it comes to learning. Not feeling comfortable can be a distraction in itself. If the environment you choose does not seem to be working for you after a couple of attempts, it is time to give up and try a new venue. Talk to your friends and fellow students about the good spots in town within walking distance which have worked for them.

Some reserve home as their last resort, but this can actually be the best one for most. Studying in a familiar territory allows for the comfort level as well as already knowing the times of the day it gets busy. Often, home is considered a grand central station of distractions and people, but for some who choose the right time of day to use their home as a place to study, it can be just the right place.

Information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not be interpreted as financial or legal advice. This does not represent a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Please consult your financial advisor.