Where do you study?

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Where do you study?

by whatthecow » Fri Feb 10, 2017 5:37 pm
Just started my GMAT prep, and I am realizing that I don't have a great place to study!

I study later at night - usually after 8 or 9 pm, and the public libraries near me don't stay open much later than that.

Back in college, I had a desk and access to libraries or study halls open until midnight. I don't mind studying on my bed, but wondering if anyone has any creative ideas about a quiet location open late at night

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by Bara » Fri Feb 10, 2017 9:39 pm
This is a great question!

There are several things to consider with regards to where you study.

Some do best with having a habitual place where to study - - be it their office conference room, home dining room, cafe, or library etc.

Options are driven by where you live and what is open at that time, the noise generated (you might need to use noise elimination headphones or you're able to zone it out, and some might be beneficial) and how you work ok with general distraction or movement. You also want, ideally, the least amount of commuting time.

I'd recommend you research whether local university libraries allow you to buy a temporary card. These are typically open later than regular community libraries. Experiment to determine where you find you are the most relaxed and focused, and/or where you're feeling you're gaining the kind of momentum and improvement you seek.


If you're thinking about inside your home, consider the following:

Aim to work someplace without distractions pulling you away from study.

Make the space designated as ONLY study space.

I don't love the idea of your studying on your bed because it's not conducive to the study action. it's the place you sleep, and dedicating a place IN your home that is relegated to just studying will produce the best results. Do you have a space like this in your home? Even if you have a fold out table and use it when you're on the couch.

Another thing to consider is the 'flow' of your house, and/or feng shui of the space. Whether or not you believe in 'energy' or 'flow', Feng Shui can help study space feel balanced, comfortable, organized, and dynamic, which is what you want when you sit down to study. Some basic tenets to consider in the Feng Shui tradition thought to upgrade your study space are the following:
  • 1. Place your desk so you're facing the door. It's thought that you should know what is coming towards you. Don't, however, place your desk right in front of the door.
    2. Consider having an air purifier, ideally a plant, near you. Indoor pollution is often worse than outdoor, so this helps to purify. Here are a list of plants you can pick up https://fengshui.about.com/od/fengshuicu ... .htm#step5 .
    3. Clear clutter, hide any power cords or other wires from plain sight. This helps clear your mind and a boost to get right to your task immediate.
    4. Place inspiring artwork on the walls and if you're not distracted by it, wind chimes or some classical music, playing in the background, such as Baroque music, which will increase your feelings of relaxed focus and productivity while they promote positive feelings.
    5. include 5 Feng Shui elements (earth, fire, metal, water, wood) in your space. This could be stones for "earth", a candle for "fire, some coins for "metal", fresh flowers in water (or a small fish tank!), and wooden furniture for the "wood" element. Be creative.
    6. Light! Bright spaces help boost productivity and encourage cleanliness. It's also easier to read in a well lit room.Since you're working at night and it's likely dark, consider full spectrum light bulbs to mirror natural light.
Good luck with your new study space!

Best,

Bara
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by DavidG@VeritasPrep » Sat Feb 11, 2017 8:47 am
whatthecow wrote:Just started my GMAT prep, and I am realizing that I don't have a great place to study!

I study later at night - usually after 8 or 9 pm, and the public libraries near me don't stay open much later than that.

Back in college, I had a desk and access to libraries or study halls open until midnight. I don't mind studying on my bed, but wondering if anyone has any creative ideas about a quiet location open late at night
A neat little article that touches on study location/retention: https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/07/healt ... 7mind.html
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by ceilidh.erickson » Wed Feb 15, 2017 11:47 am
Here's another take on study habits:
https://www.manhattanprep.com/gmat/blog ... -studying/
Ceilidh Erickson
EdM in Mind, Brain, and Education
Harvard Graduate School of Education