Are you having difficulty concentrating, fending off constant distractions, or always checking your handphone? If that’s you, it’s plain to see that you’re not studying in a good environment that’s conducive to your learning.

So how to declutter your space? We’re not KonMari, but we do have some advice:

1.     Make sure you have a good table and chair

You need ample space to spread your books, files and folders. Make sure you’re not working around stacks of other people’s work, or your own.

Also, the importance of a good chair that supports your back cannot be overstated. You don’t want to have to pause your study because your shoulders and back ache, and these problems can get worse with time.

2.     Keep distractions at bay

Turn your phone to silent mode, ignore your Telegram, and make sure whoever you live with knows not to disturb you. There’s nothing more distracting than your phone lighting up in the middle of your reading, or your mum coming in to ask about something.

If you can, set your studying for certain hours that everyone can keep to, and really get into it!

3.     Drinks and snacks

It’s good to have a cup of Milo or coffee on hand, and an energy bar or two. That makes sure you won’t get up to go to the fridge, which leads to checking the TV, which leads to…

That said, don’t have your whole snack cupboard with you when you study! You might get more interested in eating than learning!

4.     Sufficient light and cool

Us humans are much more affected by the space we’re in than we think. Make sure you have enough light and the temperature is what you’re comfortable with. If you have to turn on the aircon, it’s ok. And invest in a good lamp so that you’re not peering at your books by torchlight!

Now that you’ve done all that, how does your study space feel and look now? It’s good right? Now get to studying!