It’s no secret that rooms in university residences and student accommodation are not the biggest. While this may be the case, it doesn’t mean you can’t make the most use of your space. Having an organised, clean and uncluttered study area helps with efficiency and concentration. But how do you do this? We’ve got some ideas for maintaining the perfect study environment and some useful storage tips too.
Why is a clean study environment important?
You have probably heard of the stereotype of the messy student. Perhaps you think this is what is expected, and so it doesn’t make a difference if your study space is clean or not. But you’d be wrong. There is a lot of evidence that a clean and uncluttered space is beneficial. Why? Well, some key reasons are:
- Working in a clutter-free space means less distraction and better productivity. You’ll have improved focus and clarity when taking on a task.
- Being in a messy environment can be bad for your mental and physical health. There are obvious risks posed by obstacles. But there's also the fatigue associated with trying to find things and the potential feeling of a lack of control.
- Keeping a clean space is beneficial for reducing anxiety and stress and improving your sleep.
- It helps with organisation and efficiency, which can be critical when working on a tight schedule or under pressure.
Never underestimate how keeping everything neat can lift your mood and give you the illusion of living in a bigger space than you do.
Get top tips on choosing student accommodation.
What are the essentials I’ll need for a productive study space?
You might see recommendations suggesting needing multiple devices, pieces of equipment and accessories for a study space. We’d argue you need the exact opposite. You don’t need that much to create an effective study space. Some of the essential elements are:
- Stationery and a stationery holder or case
- A small table light
- Your laptop or tablet
- Adapters for devices
- Writing pad or book
- Calendar
- Relevant books
- Some pictures above your desk
- Ornament or small plant
If your desk has drawers, you can store much of the above away when not working at the desk. But, as you can see, you won’t need much to get your work done. It’s good to have a few personal touches on the desk too. Maybe a picture or plant. It doesn’t have to be empty.
Read our guide to off-campus accommodation.
How do I have a clean space if I’m sharing a room?
It’s not uncommon for you to share a space at university. On-campus accommodation often has rooms for two students. This means your study space is communal. Much depends on your roommate’s personality, priorities and outlook as to whether you share the same approach to cleanliness. However, it is important to have this discussion as soon as possible.
You must discuss some general rules for living together, including responsibilities and approaches to shared spaces. You need to follow the university guidelines and can use this as the basis for the conversation. If you have disagreements you can ask for help from a residence supervisor or the international office. Remember to conduct conversations with respect and understanding.
If you find working in a shared room challenging, especially for focus and concentration, you can find other spaces on campus to use. These include the library, study centres, faculty/school rooms or even study rooms in your residence. Enquire as to what’s available.
Find out about the differences between a homestay and on-campus accommodation.
What storage options do I have?
You’re probably wondering if there are any tricks you can use to keep your space clean and uncluttered. Given that student accommodation often only comes with a cupboard and a desk with drawers, you may want additional storage options. Luckily, some choices will help:
- Under-bed storage - You may be surprised how effective this solution is. You can get small to medium-wheeled containers that slide in under your bed. Perfect for books and supplies to be stored out of the way.
- Storage baskets - These will keep your floor clean and neat. You can use them for clothing, books, or equipment. These baskets come in various sizes but usually fit easily into a corner or alongside your desk. You can also use them for dirty washing, which is a great way to store laundry.
- Jars and holders - These are ideal for keeping smaller items organised, such as pens, highlighters and even USBs. Plus, you can take an environmentally friendly approach and reuse glass jars or bottles for this instead of throwing them away.
- Wall hanging storage - This may seem an odd suggestion at first. However, a wall-hanging storage solution is a great way to maximise space and keep items off the floor. You can use it for small items and even shoes.
- Book bins - They may sound like dustbins, but book bins offer organised storage for your notes, books, study materials, and paperwork. You can easily access all the information you need without having paper all over your desk and study space.
Another tip is to use your suitcases for storage. They provide a useful solution for items you won’t need regular access to. Remember to always measure your space before purchasing any storage solution, as you want to ensure it will fit.
Now that you understand how to organise your study space and why it helps to keep it clean, we have some other guides that can help you too. Discover the top packing tips for international students, read our ultimate study abroad checklist, and find out how to get support at university.
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