How to study safely at home

Being productive and maintaining your focus can be tough, especially now that we’re all getting used to new routines of remote learning.

One of the first areas to look at is your at-home workstation. Is it fit for purpose? Do you have everything set up to make studying at home, as pain-free as possible? We have some helpful hints and tips to get you started:

Setting up your workstation

Suddenly your living room may have become your ‘workspace’ and we know it won’t always be easy to arrange a workstation at home under these conditions. Here are a few tips to help you make your new workspace comfortable and to allow you to learn safely: 

•    Before turning your equipment on, quickly check plugs, leads and outer covers are undamaged and there are no burn marks or stains that might suggest overheating.
•    Use the three diagrams as guidance for how to align your computer/ laptop - you may not be able to set things up exactly as described, but if you follow the key points, you’ll be off to a good start. Link 1 for a mini keyboard, link 2 for a standard keyboard, and link 3 for DSE Helpful Hints if you have this equipment at home
•    When using a laptop, please place it on a firm surface (or a docking station if you have one) rather than a sofa edge or pillow. Try to use a full-sized keyboard and mouse if possible and angle the screen to minimise any reflections.
•    If you’re using a tablet, iPad or other portable device refer to the guide.

Advice on studying remotely

If you’re unsure of where to begin, try prioritising three tasks that you want to achieve today. Break down big goals into small, achievable tasks, and be sure to congratulate yourself when you complete them!

When you’re participating in an online seminar, don’t worry too much if housemates, family, or pets interrupt you. Your classmates and tutors will all be experiencing similar disruptions, so there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

Remember to make time to look after yourself. It’s easy to take on more than is expected of you when the boundaries between home and the classroom as blurred. To be the best version of yourself and complete tasks to the best of your ability, you need to factor in time to rest and replenish.

Discover more top tips for learning at home. 

Sometimes, switching up your environment can really help with productivity. Keep an eye out for updates on bookable study space at Leeds Libraries. There are also a number of alternative study spaces on campus that you can use.

Supporting your wellbeing

While you’re studying remotely, there are still a number of University support services in place to support you. 

For general advice on where to seek support, visit https://coronavirus.leeds.ac.uk/student-advice/support-and-wellbeing/. Remember, you don’t have to be in crisis to access help.

We’ve also put together a number of health and wellbeing related articles that you can read:

•    Eight things you can do to manage your anxiety on your own
•    Maintaining your mental health
•    Discover mindfulness
•    LUU Health & Wellbeing Project

Advice on sport and physical activity

Maintaining your physical health, particularly when experiencing uncertainty or stress, is crucial. At The Edge, the Your Home, Your Move initiative is here to help you be healthy at home.

Here are some gentle ways to improve your physical wellbeing:
•    5 ways to improve your sleep
•    Pre-bed stretch and relax routine
•    Postural exercises

Discover nutrition advice and recipes and, if you really want to get moving, try these home workouts.

Keeping connected

Your time at university should be social, and there are still ways you can keep connected to your peers while studying remotely. Find your people with clubs and societies.

For more general coronavirus information from the University, visit https://coronavirus.leeds.ac.uk/. If you have any questions or need support, contact the student information helpline. You can also access confidential help and support through LUU.