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While studying from home works well for some people, it’s not the best fit for everyone. If you’re still deciding between face-to-face learning or online study - first consider exploring your options to find out what might suit you best.
Whether it’s school homework or distanced education, these tips can help you study effectively at home to build a routine, set boundaries, and maintain a healthy study-life balance:
Tip 1: Find a place to study that works for you
Your ideal study spot doesn’t have to be perfectly quiet or free from distractions—it just needs to match how you work best. Some people concentrate better with some type of background noise such as music or TV, while others prefer silence. You can experiment to find what suits you.
Remember, you don't have to limit your study space to just your home. Libraries, cafés or even your backyard can be fantastic alternatives. If you prefer to study at home, try setting up a dedicated study area in your bedroom or another space. Make sure it’s ergonomic and used specifically for studying, to help you stay focused and keep your study space separate from your relaxation areas.
You should also make sure that when you find a place that works for well you, that you have everything you need close by. This could include your laptop charger, highlighters, your water bottle or a textbook. Having your study from home equipment on hand will help you stay focused on what you need to get done with less distractions.
Tip 2: Create a routine
When setting up your study routine, remember that you don’t have to study for hours at a time. You can find times of the day that work best for you and study for as long as you feel productive. Make sure to schedule not just your classes or lectures, but also time for homework, assignments and/or exam preparation.
It is worth considering using a planner to help organise your schedule. Some people like to use physical planners or whiteboards, while others might like to use online planners and assessment planners.
It's important to schedule breaks too. You could try introducing study techniques like the Pomodoro method, which involves breaking study time into intervals with short breaks. During breaks, you could do something refreshing like taking a walk, stretching or having a snack to stay focused and energised. Keep your schedule flexible and remember that finding the right routine for you will take some trial and error.
Tip 3: Break it down and plan ahead
Having a plan and setting goals can make studying less overwhelming and more manageable. You can start by breaking big tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if you’re working on a 2,000-word essay, you could focus on doing some research first, then writing the introduction, then a paragraph, and so on. Writing down your plans can help you stay on track and see your progress.
When setting your goals, try to connect them to a bigger purpose—remind yourself why you’re studying and what you want to achieve. This can keep you motivated, especially when tackling the tasks you’re less excited about. You might even choose to do those tasks first, so you have something more enjoyable to look forward to afterward.
Tip 4: Set boundaries
Setting clear boundaries can help you to maximise your study time while maintaining a healthy balance. To help manage your focus, consider limiting interruptions by setting rules for yourself, such as not checking emails or texts during study time. Turning off notifications or leaving your devices in another room can also help.
It's important to find a balance between your study commitments and your social life. Spending time with friends is valuable for your wellbeing, but it can help to recognise when you might need to reschedule or say 'no' to certain plans to avoid feeling overwhelmed with your study load. Setting healthy boundaries can help you stay on track with your study while still making space for the things and people that matter most.
Tip 5: Stay active and refresh your mind
It's essential to include physical movement in your daily routine, as it helps boost your mood and energy levels. This could be anything from mindful breathing and stretching, to yoga, to going out for a walk or hitting the gym. You can also take breaks from the screen by connecting with nature, doing something creative or cuddling a pet. For more ideas on staying healthy and balanced, check out our tips for a healthy headspace.
Tip 6: Connect with others
When studying remotely, even though you might not always have regular in-person contact with others, it’s still important to stay connected.
Connecting with peers and teachers:
Staying in touch with your classmates and teachers can help with your studies. Join online discussion groups, virtual study sessions or forums where you can ask questions and share ideas. It might feel scary to ask questions, but if you’re wondering about something, others probably are too! Don’t be afraid to share your work with someone for advice or feedback—working together can really help.
Connecting with friends, family, and community:
It’s also important to stay connected with the people you care about outside of study. Think about who’s in your ‘cheer squad’—those who support and encourage you. Make time to connect with them through calls, texts or meetups. You could also get involved in your community, by joining local headspace centre social groups, or volunteer groups, to build a bigger support network.
To connect online with others who understand what you’re going through, you could also check out our regular Work & Study Peer Chats and find support from other young people.
Tip 7: Explore your learning style
Understanding how you learn best can make studying easier and more effective. Everyone has different ways they learn, and sometimes it's a mix of several styles. Here are some common learning styles:
- Visual learners: Learn best through images, diagrams and watching demonstrations.
- Auditory learners: Prefer listening to information through lectures, podcasts or discussions.
- Reading/writing learners: Learn effectively by reading texts and writing notes.
- Kinaesthetic/physical learners: Prefer hands-on experiences and learning by doing.
Try exploring different methods to see what works best for you. You can even talk to your peers about their study techniques for new ideas. It is important to remember that what works for someone else might not work well for you, and that's okay!
If your preferred learning style doesn't quite fit with online study, you could look for ways to adapt and discuss options with your teacher. For example:
- Visual learners can use mind maps or watch educational videos.
- Auditory learners might benefit from listening to recorded lectures or discussing topics in study groups.
- Reading/writing learners can focus on taking detailed notes, creating summaries, or using online articles to reinforce their learning.
- Kinaesthetic learners can take short breaks to move around or use interactive online tools.
Tip 8: Find your study-life balance
Keeping a good balance between study and life is important in staying motivated and avoiding burnout. Make sure that you keep doing the things you enjoy, even when you're busy with study. Whether it’s going to the gym, hanging out with friends or having lunch at your favourite café, these activities are just as important as your study sessions. Stopping these activities won’t necessarily make your study time better—in fact, it might make study feel more like a chore.
It’s also worth considering if this is the right time for you to study. Sometimes, taking a break, switching to part-time study, or adjusting your work hours can help you manage things better. Your wellbeing matters, so remember to schedule time for rest and the things you love.
Tip 9: Reflect and adjust
It’s important to regularly check in with yourself to see what’s working in your study routine and what isn’t. After a week or two, take some time to reflect on how your study methods are going. Are you finding it easier to stay focused? Are you making progress toward your goals? If something isn’t working as well as you’d hoped, don’t be afraid to make changes.
Adjust your study schedule, try new techniques, or even switch up your study environment. Remember, your study routine should be flexible and fit your needs. It’s all about finding what works best for you and being open to tweaking your approach along the way.
Tip 10: Seek support
Seeking support can be really helpful when studying from home. Many education institutions offer online resources like virtual tutoring, study groups, academic advisors and writing centres that can help you stay on track. Consider emailing or scheduling virtual meetings with your teachers for guidance when you need it.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important. If you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, reaching out and getting support can make a difference. Many schools offer online counselling services and mental health resources as part of their student support services. Check out what are mental health difficulties and when to seek help for more information or reach out to eheadspace to chat to a clinician online for free.
Bonus tip: Reward yourself
After a day of study, celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Find rewards that make you feel good and energised, like catching up with a friend for coffee, taking your dog for a walk or watching an episode of your favourite show. Rewarding yourself can look different for everyone, so choose activities that are meaningful and positive for you!
Studying from home can be a different experience for everyone. Take your time to find what works best for you and remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Look after yourself and take it one step at a time. You’ve got this!
Get support from headspace Work & Study
If you're aged 15 – 25, the headspace Work & Study programs are tailored to your needs and can support you in developing the skills and confidence to reach your work or study goals. They’re totally free and we have options for you to participate online via webchat, video chat or phone, as well as in-person at one of our headspace centres. Find out more to help you decide which headspace Work & Study service best suits your needs. If you’re not sure and would like to discuss your options, give us a call on 1800 810 794.
For support with your mental health and wellbeing, find your nearest headspace centre or access online and telephone support via eheadspace.
The headspace Content Reference Group oversee and approve clinical resources made available on this website.
Last reviewed October 2024.
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