STUDY ENVIRONMENT

Now that you have assessed the quality of the three locations you study most frequently, let's look at variables that make certain environments more conducive to study than others.
Distraction Free	Much study time is wasted by distractions, whether that is talking to friends, playing computer games or watching TV.  Think about your last study period.   How long did you try to study (time from beginning to end) and how much of that time was actually spent studying?  If there is a big discrepancy in your response to these two questions, you may wish to explore another study location with fewer distractions.  The result may be that it actually takes you less time to accomplish the same amount of work because you are able to stay focused in that environment more easily.  Another source of distractions may be personal concerns, which can be more difficult to control.  If you find that this is your greatest study distraction, you may wish to talk with a counselor on your campus to try to find ways to reduce or resolve your personal concerns.
Conditions (i.e. chair, desk/table, lighting, and temperature) are conducive to studying	The chair used for studying should be comfortable enough that you can sit for 45 - 50 minutes at a time.  Sitting at a desk or table that provides adequate space for your materials to be spread out is important.  The lighting in the room should not cause eye strain and the temperature should be comfortably cool.
Materials needed are present	It's important to make sure you have everything you will need for a particular study session present when you begin.  If you're going outside your room to study, think through what you will need to accomplish your study goals and take it with you.
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