Student Survival Guide: Creating a Study Space in Your Diaspora Apartment

Studying while living abroad is an exciting but challenging experience. As a student in the diaspora, you’re likely juggling the pressures of academics, adapting to a new environment, and maybe even working part-time to support yourself.

To stay on top of your studies, having a dedicated, functional study space in your apartment is crucial. But how do you create that perfect space when you’re miles from home, possibly living in a small apartment, and on a tight budget?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create an ideal study environment in your diaspora apartment, ensuring it’s comfortable, organized, and optimized for productivity.

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1. Choose the Right Location

Ideally, this should be a place that’s quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions. It might be tempting to study in bed or on the couch, but having a designated study spot signals to your brain that it’s time to focus.

• Look for natural light: If possible, place your study desk near a window. Natural light helps improve concentration and boosts mood. Plus, it creates a pleasant, bright environment for working.

• Minimize distractions: Try to avoid setting up your study area in a high-traffic part of the apartment, like the living room or kitchen. These spaces are prone to distractions, probably from roommates, family, or noise from the television. If you live in a small space, consider using noise-canceling headphones to block out distractions.

• Avoid combining spaces: Avoid using your bed or couch as your study area. These spots are associated with relaxation, and speaking from experience, you’d find it difficult to stay focused in a space your body associates with rest. Even in a tiny apartment, create a distinct study area.

2. Invest in a Comfortable Desk and Chair

Comfort is key to productive studying. Since you’ll likely spend long hours in your study space, a comfortable desk and chair can make all the difference. However, you might not have the budget for expensive furniture as a student, which is understandable so here are some affordable yet functional options.

• The right desk: Look for a desk that suits your space and your needs. A simple table or writing desk works perfectly as long as it’s sturdy and big enough to hold your books, laptop, and other materials. If space is tight, consider a wall-mounted desk or a compact table that fits into a corner.

• Ergonomic chair: Your chair should provide good back support to prevent discomfort during long study sessions. You don’t need a high-end office chair; an ergonomic pillow or a cushion can make a simple chair more comfortable. Prioritize back support to avoid strains and posture-related issues.

If purchasing new furniture is out of your budget, look for second-hand desks and chairs online or even ask around on campus; there are often students selling their used furniture at affordable prices.

3. Keep It Organized

A cluttered desk leads to a cluttered mind. Keeping your study space organized is crucial for staying focused and reducing stress. When you know exactly where your materials are, you save time and avoid the frustration of searching for things when you should be studying.

• Use desk organizers: Simple containers or organizers can help keep your desk neat. Use trays for papers, a cup for pens and pencils, and drawer dividers for small items like paper clips or sticky notes. This keeps everything within reach without cluttering your workspace.

• Go digital: Reduce paper clutter by going digital where possible. Store class notes, assignments, and readings on your computer or cloud storage. Apps like Google Drive, Evernote, or Notion can help you stay organized and access your study materials from anywhere.

• Regular cleaning: Take a few minutes at the end of each study session to tidy up. A clean desk helps you start your next session on a positive note and keeps the area free from distractions. The key is to keep it functional and simple so that you can focus on your studies.

4. Personalize Your Space

While your study space should be functional, it should also be a place that makes you feel comfortable and motivated.

• Incorporate inspiring elements: Surround your space with things that inspire you, such as motivational quotes, photos of family and friends, or posters of your favorite places. These little touches provide comfort, especially when you’re far from home.

• Add greenery: Plants can breathe life into your study area. Not only do they look great, but they can also reduce stress and improve air quality. A small plant on your desk or windowsill can make a big difference in how your space feels.

• Use calming colors: If possible, choose calming colors for your study space. Soft blues, greens, and neutral tones are known to promote focus and reduce stress. If painting isn’t an option in your rental apartment, you can use colorful posters, desk accessories, or throw pillows to introduce these tones.

5. Optimize for Productivity

Creating a productive study environment goes beyond furniture and decor. You also need to set up systems and habits that maximize your efficiency and keep distractions at bay.

• Use task lighting: Adequate lighting is essential, especially if you study late into the night. A desk lamp with adjustable brightness can help reduce eye strain and create a focused work environment. Opt for LED bulbs that mimic natural light to keep your energy levels up.

• Set boundaries: When living with roommates or family, it’s important to set boundaries around your study time. Let them know when you need uninterrupted study time and consider using a “Do Not Disturb” sign if necessary.

• Incorporate study tools: Productivity tools like timers or apps that block distracting websites (like Cold Turkey or FocusMe) can help you stay focused. The Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break, can also improve your study efficiency.

6. Embrace Flexibility

While having a dedicated study space is important, it’s also okay to switch up your environment from time to time. Sometimes, a change of scenery can boost creativity and productivity, especially if you’ve been working in the same spot for hours.

• Study in different spots: If you feel like your apartment is getting too monotonous like mine does sometimes, consider spending some time studying in different places, such as a nearby coffee shop, library, or park. Just be sure that wherever you go, it’s still conducive to concentration.

• Break up study sessions: Flexibility also means knowing when to take breaks. Studying for long periods without breaks can lead to burnout, so schedule regular breaks to stay refreshed.

To Conclude,

Creating a well-organized and inspiring study space in your diaspora apartment can significantly improve your academic performance. By following these tips and strategies, you can create a conducive environment that promotes productivity, focus, and success.

Note: The key to a successful study space is finding what works best for you and making it your own.

READ: Empower Your Workday: Desk Essentials for Focus, Calm, and Success