6 Valuable Tips to Study at Home

What an unprecedented few weeks it has been, right? The COVID-19 situation seems to be changing almost every day now.

I understand it may be hard for some of us to keep up with this new lifestyle and changes we all are trying to adapt. But let me tell you one thing:
You are not on your own. We all are in this together – even at a distance. Here are my 6 tips to help you study at home.

Being an international student or being away from home during such crucial times has been challenging for me and, among many other emotions, makes me worry and feel lost. Very recently I have realised and telling myself that it is completely okay to feel this way. When things started to get more serious in the UK, what came as a big relief for me was knowing that there is support from the University.
Like me, I am sure you all are receiving emails from the University almost every day or updates on your BrightSpace. The University may be closed physically but, thankfully, we have access to support from the University staff and tutors who are there for us to communicate and work together. From online library drop-in sessions to library services; from access to licensed software from home to online tutorials and project reviews; from online meetings with supervisors to mental health support – everything is only a click away.

What is great to see is the growth of online communities to stay in touch with our peers both at the University and beyond. So, my friends, if you are someone struggling to find your way to study from home, focus on work or just simply staying well – get in touch with your school, tutor or peers. There is always someone who can help, even in such distressing times. Always remember - you are not on your own

4. Structure Your Day

Make a to-do list or your own routine: Making a to-do list or bullet journaling about your day before you start will give you a plan of what are the things you need to get done today. After this, you can work your day around this list giving each task a designated time slot. Blocking those hours with specific things to do will make you aware that you have x number of hours for Task A and so on. It’s like working in an office - you are scheduling your meetings and commitments for the day. Also, don’t forget to take a proper lunch break. Working hard is good but too hard will only exhaust yourself.

5. Try the Pomodoro Method

Pomodoro method and taking breaks: Omg you guys! This is a God-sent method and I am absolutely loving it. I found out about this on Brightspace in a time management skills section. The Pomodoro technique was invented by Franceso Cirillo in the ‘80s which uses a timer to break down work into 25-minute intervals, each of which are called a Pomodoro. After 25 minutes of work, you get a 5-minute break which I highly recommend that you use to get out of your desk. There are plenty of apps out there now. The one I am using is called Focus-To-Do. TRY IT OUT and thank me later.

6. Get Fresh Air and Exercise

Get some fresh air: Lastly, get some fresh air and take a break. In England we are now allowed to exercise more than once a day, go for a walk or jog outside. Our brains love some fresh oxygen in them especially at times of stress and continuous work. Just remember to stay safe and always maintain social distancing guidelines.

6 Tips to Study at Home

• Set an alarm
• Prepare your mind
• Prepare your workspace
• Structure your day
• Try the Pomodoro method
• Get fresh air and exercise

I understand times are tough. But the only way forward is to keep going. Take this time as a pause from your hectic everyday life. Rediscover your hobbies, learn something new and keep your studies on track so that you don’t fall behind. And most importantly remember that the university is still there to help you out should you need any support. For important and the latest information regarding COVID19 and its implications for the University check out the page Important Updates . For tips on how to look after your mental wellbeing check out my post Mental Wellbeing during COVID-19. Stay safe everyone!

 

You can also find out more information about postgraduate courses at our Postgraguate Study Fair.