In the last six weeks we have all experienced big changes to our daily routines as we get used to working and studying from home. As students, you may have swapped the library study booths for a wobbly coffee table, a desk in your bedroom, or even an ever-shrinking corner of the dining room table. On the plus side, you have all your home comforts at your fingertips. On the downside, you have all your home comforts at your fingertips!

There’s still books to be read, assignments to complete, and that dissertation isn’t going to write itself. Here are the Learning Hub’s top tips for successful studying from home:

1. Have a dedicated study space. It’s hard to focus on your work when you have children’s toys (and children) spread across the floor, the TV on in the background, or you can see the ever-growing ironing pile out of the corner of your eye. Try and keep a clear desk where you can easily locate books and notes. It’s also handy to keep saved online resources and links organised too.
2. Put some clothes As tempting as it is to spend all day in your PJs, you’ll be in a better frame of mind for working if you get dressed – even if it’s just into your tracksuit bottoms and an old T-shirt.
3. Take regular breaks. Okay, we know you might be swapping Starbucks for the kitchen and the SU shop for the fridge, but breaks for snacks and cups of tea are vital. Boris says you can exercise once a day – use it, even if it’s just to go for a walk, get some fresh air and clear your head. Your body and your mind will thank you for it!
4. Avoid procrastination. Write a timetable to help you stay on track and set yourself mini deadlines for the different stages of your assignment. Procrastination is linked to…
5. Distractions. Our homes are full of distractions, and you’re more likely to procrastinate the more distractions you have. Switch off your phone and block social media sites on your laptop with this useful app.
6. Motivate yourself with rewards. Watch a bit of TV, give yourself some social media time, read a book that isn’t related to your course, go outside, get a snack, make a coffee. Save that Netflix series everyone’s talking about for the evening, when you’ve had chance to do a good chunk of work.Another app you can try is Forest, which helps you to stay motivated by planting a tree every time you put down your phone. However, if you pick up your phone, you will undo all your good work and kill your carefully-nurtured creation.
7. Keep in touch. There is still plenty of support available to you. Set up group chats with course mates, maintain contact with your lecturers, and make use of email feedback from the Learning Hub ([email protected]).

Above all, stay positive and stay safe. Enjoy spending time with your family or housemates if you’re locked down together, enjoy the nice weather from your garden or while exercising, and come out of this with your batteries recharged and reinvigorated to make the most of your studies.