Top Study Tip #4: Create a Study Area

Apr 24

A good study area minimizes distractions through three environmental factors: low foot traffic, minimal noise levels, and freedom from visual interruptions. Students consistently perform better academically when studying in quiet, isolated spaces rather than high-activity family areas.

Avoid high-traffic, noisy locations: Kitchens are the worst study locations despite their popularity—family members pass through constantly, parents prepare meals with clanging cookware, and conversations interrupt focus. Living rooms with TVs and family gathering spaces during peak hours create similar problems. These environments force your brain to constantly filter out distractions, reducing study effectiveness.

Choose low-distraction spaces: Dining rooms when not in use, bedrooms with closed doors, or any quiet corner away from family activity provide better concentration. The key is physical separation from noise sources and foot traffic. If you share a bedroom with siblings, negotiate specific "study times" when both agree to maintain quiet.

Why study location matters: Your environment directly impacts how well you concentrate and retain information. Studying in the same quiet, consistent location also improves memory recall during tests through context-dependent learning—your brain associates the material with the calm environment where you learned it.

LOW TRAFFIC AREA

You want to pick an area that is low in distractions. In the past, you may have studied with your other siblings in the kitchen. But, kitchens are often loud and noisy. Your parents may be cooking and clanging away.

LOW NOISE AREA

You also want to pick an area that is away from the noise of the family. Many families congregate in a family room or kitchen around mealtime. We suggest staying away from rooms that have TVs or study areas that are in the living room. You may want to pick the dining room or a room that is away from the noise of the TV.