Studying effectively is crucial for success at uni, as it helps you to stay organised and retain information. But how can you study effectively at home? Well, you just need the right strategies. By creating a productive study space, setting clear goals, and adopting some study techniques you can stay focused and unlock your full potential.

Studying at home offers flexibility, but it can be tricky to stay on track with the distractions that come with it. Whether it’s household chores or the temptation to use your electronic devices, staying focused can be a challenge. But with a little planning and the right study habits, you can create an environment that will keep you just as productive and motivated as if you were on campus. 

Here are our top tips for studying at home and staying motivated.

Step 1: Create your dream study space

Having a designated study area will help signal to your brain that it’s time to focus. You don’t need a fancy home office, just a quiet area where you’re not getting distracted, a comfortable chair and of course uni books, laptop and stationery – will help you maintain focus and make your time a lot more productive. If you’re looking to step up your space, investing in new desk or even a stand-up desk could help you stay comfortable during those long study sessions.

Step 2: Develop a realistic study schedule

When it comes to studying effectively at home, just like many things in life, routine is key. Schedule time each day to dedicate to study and try to stick to it. Try breaking up your tasks into manageable chunks so it feels less overwhelming. This will help you feel motivated and more able to retain information.

Step 3: Utilise effective study techniques

Find study techniques that resonate with you and your style. A mind map or brainstorming can help you organise ideas visually, while finding another student to become your study buddy can help you stay accountable. And if you’re doing all of your studies online but live close to a Charles Sturt campus, you could always try the university library or your nearest public library. Libraries have plenty of quiet spaces and resources to assist with your study goals. 

Step 4: Minimise distractions and promote healthy habits

Social media and constant notifications can easily chew up your time and derail your study plans. So to stay focused, consider setting up time limits on your devices or using the Pomodoro Technique – study for 25 minutes, then take a short break. You should also prioritise regular breaks. Say you’ve put in a solid study session, you could reward yourself for your efforts by putting on your joggers and going for a walk outside or doing something you love. Other things like ensuring you drink plenty of water and getting a good night’s sleep are important too. Incorporating these activities into your study routine can significantly improve your productivity and efficiency. 

Here’s some advice from someone who’s been there, Kathy Talbot, who studied a Master of Education (Teacher Librarianship).

“Remember, routine is important. Give yourself permission for some time for self-care. Know you can’t read everything, so do what you can manage. Be kind to yourself.” 

Step 5: Know where to get support before you need it

Domestic students, international students, on-campus or online – everyone could use a little help at times. So, it’s a good idea to know where to turn for assistance – before you really need it. Whether you’re after academic support, tech help or just someone to talk to, Charles Sturt offers a range of services to make sure you’re not going it alone. Check out the support options early on so you’re ready to reach out to one of our friendly teams as soon as you need help. 

So, why is studying important?

Studying isn’t just about passing exams – it’s about building study skills and habits that’ll help you succeed at university and beyond. Here’s why you should schedule time to study: 

• Helps you understand and remember information.
• Builds your time management and organisational skills.
• Prepares you for assessments.
• Boosts your confidence.
• Develops critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. 

By learning how to do it well, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success, both academically and in your career.

What are the benefits of studying from home?

Studying from home offers the perfect mix of flexibility and comfort, so you can create a dedicated space that works for you. Here are just some of the perks:

• A flexible study schedule that fits your lifestyle.
• A comfortable environment.
• No commute – saves you money and time for the things that matter.
• A space where everything’s within reach.
• Greater control over your routine and breaks.

With the right setup, studying from home can be the ideal way to balance your studies and personal life.

What are the biggest distractions when studying from home?

While studying from home offers plenty of benefits, there are some common distractions that can throw you off. Here’s what to look out for:

• Social media – constant notifications and mindless scrolling can easily eat into your important study time.
• Household chores – the temptation to clean is real!  
• Family or housemates – loud housemates, pets or unexpected visitors can affect your study sessions.
• No dedicated study space – working from a lounge or bed can lead to discomfort and less productivity than sitting at a desk in a quiet area.

Being aware of these distractions can help you make changes to minimise their impact so you can stay on track with your studies.

Extra tips for studying at home

Studying from home is a breeze when you’ve got the right strategies. Here are a few more tips to help you make the most of it.

• Stay organised – invest in a digital or hardcopy planner so you know what you need to study for and when.
  
• Dress the part – just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you have to study in your pyjamas! Get dressed like you would if you were visiting your campus. It can help switch your brain into study mode.
  
• Stay connected – being at home can feel isolating so consider joining a uni Facebook group or online forum. Consider reaching out to a fellow student for a video chat over a coffee. These will help keep you motivated to study.
  
  As Kathy puts it:

“A memorable moment would be during my very first module, joining a Facebook group with a few other students and being able to share the journey with them. I often think of the support we gave to each other and how we celebrated each other’s achievements – I don’t think I’d be where I am today without them.” 

Studying from home is achievable with the right strategies in place. By creating a dedicated space, sticking to a schedule, minimising distractions and using study techniques, you can stay focused and productive. 

And if at any time you feel that you’re struggling, you can tap into the support available to you through Charles Sturt University.

Ready to take the next step?

You can choose from online courses with Charles Sturt – from agriculture and environment, science and engineering to arts and communication and many more. There’s the perfect course waiting for you. Apply when you’re ready. Because we’re ready when you are. 

Frequently asked questions

What technology or equipment do I need for online study from home?

You’ll need a reliable internet connection, a computer or laptop with video and audio capabilities for lectures and access to software like Microsoft Office. Some courses may require specific software, so once you’re enrolled in your course you’ll need to check out your course requirements for any additional tech needs. And of course we’re here if you need any support!

How do I manage household distractions while studying at home?

If you can, create a study space that’s separate from common areas like the lounge or living room. If you live with housemates or family, it’s a good idea to chat with them about your study schedule so they know when to keep things quiet. If noise is unavoidable, noise-cancelling headphones can help, or you could even head to a library during the busier times. It also helps to limit distractions like social media, and using a digital or hardcopy planner can keep you organised and on track.

Will my qualification be the same if I study online?

Absolutely! Whether you study with Charles Sturt online or on campus, full-time or part-time, you’ll get exactly the same qualification. It’s a qualification that’ll open doors and take you wherever you want in your career.