Are you finding the transition between lectures and home study difficult? A sudden overhaul of routine, and studying on your own rather than with classmates, can be challenging adjustments to make. But, by putting a few proactive changes into place, you’ll be up to speed in no time. Take a look at our home-working tips to get you started.

Top Tips for Working at Home

1. Start Early

Take the pressure off, avoid the all-nighters, and commence your studies in advance – even if your exams and coursework are at a later date. Try and start early each day, as you are fresher in the mornings, making it easier to concentrate and make notes. It’s a good idea to have a plan in place, which will help you start and finish at the same time each day. That way, you know when you can take some much-needed time for R&R!

2. Plan Your Studies

Read over your modules, and decide how much of each topic you need to work through. Many universities have lectures available online, so you’ll be able to take notes, in case you can’t physically attend. Understanding the format of your work will help you structure your routine too. For example, if you have an essay to complete, then you won’t need to cover the entire syllabus – just enough to provide a detailed explanation for the question at hand.

3. Try Different Methods

There are many methods of home study, including group work via Skype, utilising flashcards, practising past papers, viewing online webinars, and more. Try lots of different things, and find an approach that works for you, that you can stick to for the long term.

4. Eat Healthily

It can be easy to rely on caffeine or convenience food when you’re surviving hours of work at home. But, try to keep the coffees to a minimum, and take the time to cook healthy meals from scratch. Keeping a balanced lifestyle will give you more energy, and keep your brain functioning properly.

5. Exercise Regularly

Keep a positive mindset by taking regular exercise. You don’t need to be a fitness fanatic or a sports guru, although it’s important that you keep yourself active. Why not check out an online yoga class or aerobics session? These types of activities will help you keep focused, so you can retain information. You could get your friends involved too, via Facetime, which also adds some fun and social interaction to your day. Win-win!

6. Take Breaks

If you need a break, take one. Effective study doesn’t have to be constant – if you start to lose focus, then have a break, and do something completely different. It is better to work little and often effectively, rather than for several hours ineffectively. The brain will also have a higher chance of remembering what you’ve been looking at.

7. Sleep Better

It can be easy to lose routine when your lifestyle changes, but getting a good night’s sleep throughout your studies is important. Last minute, overnight work sometimes can’t be avoided, but try to keep this to a minimum. If you’re struggling with sleep, why not try some herbal remedies, check out specialised apps for your phone, or listen to some relaxing background music?

8. Stay Calm

The most important thing to remember, through all eventualities, is to stay calm. Don’t let a bad day affect how you function the next, and achieving the best grades is not the be-all and end-all. While your degree is important, so is your health, which is not worth putting at risk. Take some time to do mindful things like arts and crafts, keep up with friends on the phone, and make the most of all those chocolate Easter eggs!

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