Your learning environment has a big impact on how well you study. Unlike traditional classrooms, online learning often takes place at home or in shared spaces—so it’s up to you to create a space that supports focus, motivation, and productivity.
In this post, we’ll look at three key ways to set up a study environment that works: choosing a quiet and comfortable space, minimising distractions, and using tools like headphones or focus apps to stay on track.
Find a space that’s dedicated to studying. It doesn’t need to be fancy—a corner of a room or a spot at the kitchen table can work—but it should be clean, quiet, and free from clutter.
Set Up a Quiet, Comfortable Space
First things first: find a space that’s dedicated to studying. It doesn’t need to be fancy—a corner of a room or a spot at the kitchen table can work—but it should be clean, quiet, and free from clutter. Try these tips for better note-taking:
- Lighting: Natural light is ideal, but a good desk lamp helps too.
- Seating: Use a chair with back support so you’re comfortable during longer study sessions.
- Posture: Try to sit at a table or desk rather than lying on a bed or sofa—it helps your brain stay in “work mode.”
Having a consistent space tells your brain it’s time to focus whenever you sit down. Over time, this routine builds strong habits and makes it easier to concentrate.
Minimise Distractions (Yes, Including Social Media)
Distractions are one of the biggest challenges in online learning, especially at home. From noisy rooms to endless phone notifications, staying focused can be tough. Here’s how to take control of your environment:
- Turn off unnecessary notifications on your phone or put it in another room during study sessions.
- Use website blockers like StayFocusd, Freedom, or Cold Turkey to limit access to social media while studying.
- Communicate with others in your household about your study time so they can help you avoid interruptions.
- Tidy up your space before you start—it reduces stress and helps you focus on learning, not the mess around you.
Remember: small distractions add up. A quick glance at your phone or a sudden noise can break your concentration and make it harder to get back into the flow.
Use Headphones or Apps to Stay Focused
Sometimes, a little extra help can go a long way in creating the right atmosphere. Noise-cancelling or over-ear headphones can block out background sounds and help you concentrate.
If music helps you focus, try playlists designed for studying—instrumental or lo-fi beats often work best. You can also use focus apps like:
- Forest – encourages you to stay off your phone by “growing” a virtual tree while you focus
- Brain.fm – plays AI-generated music designed to help you concentrate
- Pomodoro timers – keep you on task with structured study/break intervals
Experiment to find what works best for you.
Final Thoughts
Your study environment doesn’t need to be perfect—but it should support your learning, not work against it. By setting up a quiet, comfortable space, removing distractions, and using tools to help you stay focused, you’re creating the right conditions for success. The more intentional you are about your environment, the easier it becomes to study effectively and reach your goals.