July 11, 2023

Whether you’re enrolled in a remote degree program or you’re spending the weekend brushing up on notes before a big test, understanding how to turn your home into a productive space for studying is key. With a little organization and the right tech setup, you can create the perfect distraction-free zone for all your at-home studying needs.

Set up a comfortable study space

Find a quiet and comfortable place in your home where you can study uninterrupted—maybe that’s your kitchen table, a spare bedroom, office, or your bedroom. Choose a place with a flat surface where you can rest books and tech, like a table, desk, or the floor. Make sure you’re sitting in a way that helps you maintain ideal posture to avoid fatigue and soreness. After all, the more comfortable you are in your study space, the more likely you are to spend time studying.

Invest in a quality pair of headphones

It’s not always possible to find a private place to study, especially if you’re living in a shared home or apartment. Whether you’re hoping to block out construction noises from a busy street below or the din of the family going about their day, a pair of headphones can help tune out the world around you and transform anywhere into your workspace.

Don’t multitask

Trying to do too much at one time can be overwhelming. While listening to music can help you maintain focus, trying to watch TV or listen to a podcast might be too distracting while studying. When you’re studying at home, make an effort to stay in the study zone and avoid multitasking. As tempting as it may be, getting a few chores done around the house while studying ultimately leads to less engaged study time.

Create a schedule or timetable on your Surface Pro 9 or Surface Laptop 5

Making a study schedule is a great way to stay on task and divide up the various subjects to study in a given week. You can use Excel on your Surface Pro 9 or Surface Laptop 5 to create a student schedule, organizing your classes as well as your study time. Use your template to track upcoming tests, presentations, and other assignments; make a plan to ensure that you’re using your study time effectively.

Use the Surface Pen to take notes

Plan ahead and take notes during class using a Surface Slim Pen 2 or Surface Pen. This will save you the time of digitizing or typing up your notes later—Future You will be thankful! Use this digital pen to write notes directly on your Surface screen. Some studies show that writing may increase how much of the information you recall and comprehend.¹ The Surface Pen is compatible with a range of apps, including OneNote, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Suite.

In a world where remote learning is playing an increasingly bigger role, having a few study-at-home tips and tricks in your back pocket is essential. Surface Pro 9 and Surface Laptop 5 can help you be more comfortable studying at home and rise to achieve your education goals.