Study safely

Creating a positive study environment

1. Choose a space to work in which you can make comfortable for you

• Keep noise/others/pets/interruptions to a minimum by having a private space/study only zone
• Ensure your space has good lighting so you don’t strain your eyes
• Add items such as plants for air purification,  pictures or art for inspiration to make your space more enjoyable
• Set up a fan or air conditioner to ensure your zone is pleasant to spend time in

2. Set up your computer and desk

• If you can’t make a dedicated study space, set up and take down a ‘work space’ each day to create a routine and let others know you are studying
• On a limited budget an external keyboard and mouse for a laptop will make a comfortable workstation
• Keep your study desk clear of personal items and clean it of rubbish at the end of each day
• Use a stack of books to adjust the height of your monitor/laptop if you need so you don’t strain your neck

3. Negotiate with others in your household

• Ask the others in your household to respect your study times by keeping noise down
• Ask others to respect your study space and not bother you when you are there
• Ask others for help if you need someone to discuss an issue with
• Respect the fact that others may be adjusting to you studying from home, so negotiate ‘noisy’ and ‘quiet’ times that work for everyone

Working and studying from home

1. Set a routine and stick to it. Research suggests that having a regular routine and regular environmental cues is most effective for work and study.

• Set a ‘start’ time for each day eg. 9am
• Have a dedicated study zone so that your mind moves into ‘work’ mode when you are there
• If you can’t have a dedicated study zone, try having a dedicated study outfit (maybe a JCU shirt) that you put on when you start your study day
• Take regular study breaks at the same time each day
• End your study at the same time each day and ‘put away’ your study materials at that time to signal to your brain to shift gears
• Update your weekly planner to adapt to studying from home

2. Prioritise your mental and physical fitness:

• Set boundaries on study time and stick to them – know when to stop
• Ensure you are planning a relax and recharge time in your schedule
• Ensure you are getting enough regular exercise to maximize blood flow
• Use different types of music to enhance different activities (study music vs. exercise music)
• When you need help, reach out to a tutor, lecturer, or friend
• Make sure you talk to someone outside your household each day – pick up the phone, or make a video call
• Learn how to manage stress by trying a quick meditation
• Use the JCU services such as Wellbeing or The Learning Centre

Tips to make sure you are looking after yourself while studying, particularly at a computer

Whether you study on the go with a laptop or from home, setting up your study space properly can significantly reduce the risk of muscle strain or overuse injuries. Many of these injuries result from minor adjustments done incorrectly over extended periods. Simple changes, like adjusting your chair height or modifying your laptop setup, can make a substantial difference in your comfort and physical well-being.

• Don’t sit too long in one position
• Take adequate breaks
• Set up your workstation well: have your computer screen at eye level, make sure you’ve got your seat height right, with your feet comfortably on the floor
• Have good posture: make sure you sit up straight with your shoulders back
• Avoid repetitive movements
• Minimise glare and reflections. Use a blue light filter on your electronic devices where possible
• Don’t stare at the screen for too long. Take ‘eye’ breaks where you focus on something in the distance for a while
• You might like to try out a standing desk or an ergonomic chair