When you’re going to school online, it may be easy to neglect the area you’re studying in. However, the atmosphere you work in can often play a huge role in your success. Here are ten important features of a study space for online college.

1. Spacious work area
Your study space for your online college should include a spacious work area, so that you’re able to spread your materials out without being cramped. You should have room for your textbook, computer, several papers, and other materials or resources without the desk looking cluttered.

2. Focused and free of distractions
It’s important that your study space is in a place that is free from distractions. You should be able to focus on your task at hand without interruptions.

3. Wi-fi connection
Additionally, your study space should have a wi-fi connection or other easy internet access. Avoid places with undependable internet connections.

4. Comfortable chair
You’ll be spending a lot of time sitting in your study space, so invest in a comfortable chair! Your body will thank you for it when the semester is over.

5. Consistent place
Your study space should be in a consistent spot. Working in the same spot every time will help you to focus and understand that it’s time for work.

6. Room with a door
It’s helpful if your study space has a door on it, in order to keep distractions out when you’re working on something really important.

7. Decorative elements
People are able to work better in an aesthetically appealing environment, so consider adding a few decorative touches that you find relaxing or inspiring.

8. A clock
Though it may seem like an obvious addition to your study space, many people forget the importance of having a clock. You’ll be able to keep track of time and focus your assignments.

9. Storage and organizational system
Create an organizational system that works for you, and have storage space to keep things together.

10. Easy to access
Your study space should also be easy to access so that you can work whenever you have the time.

Taking online courses can be challenging, especially if you live in a home that has other people living there, but there are some ways to avoid distractions and keep involved with what is important, studying.

1. Find a room that is very quiet and located within the home with fewer distractions and out of the way of visitors or other family members.

2. Attach a note to the outside of the door where studying is taking place to inform everyone that you are studying. That way when family members come to ask a question, they know you are busy and can come back later.

3. Inform other family members that you will be studying. This will avoid having someone run a sweeper, having a television or a radio on loud and running loud tools or equipment that may distract you.

4. Avoid the visitors. If it is possible, have another family member handle visitors and friends if they arrive. Have them inform them that you are studying and can call them or stop by to see them at a later time.

5. Be prepared to sit for awhile. Have a drink and a snack available, make sure laundry or dinner will not be a distraction and go to the restroom before you start to study.

6. Shut the window if outside noises are a common interference and use a small fan instead for air circulation.

7. Make sure the television and radio is shut off. It is easy to have a song or a conversation on a show catch your attention.

8. Do not open applications on the computer that will interfere with working, like instant messages or email notifications.

9. Keep dogs, cats loud birds or other animals out of the room, unless they are very calm and can lie on a bed or by a chair without wanting constant attention or making noise.

10. Shut off cell phones and home phones in the room where one is studying. These can be a huge distraction that one can avoid. Use an answering machine to answer the incoming calls.

One of the nicest features to taking online courses without strict deadlines is having a busy lifestyle, yet still being able to opt to take advantage of furthering your education. Below are ten tips that will help to manage your learning experience to being most productive.

1. Examine your lifestyle. What break times do you have to refresh what you have already learned previously and what of that time are you willing to spend reviewing? What time slots of 50-60 minutes per day or per week are you willing to commit to your study?

2. Determine how long it will take you to complete the course. Whether or not you achieve the timed goal is not as important as that you have one to which you can adhere and measure your progress.

3. For larger blocks of study time, determine the quiet place that gives you the edge you need for maximum concentration.

4. Determine when you are most alert and plan the study times for your more difficult portions of study during those hours when you feel most energetic.

5. Maintain a good diet and proper sleep during this period of online course study. Exercise is also important for mental acuity and focus. Take the time for a brisk walk or other physical endurance activity on a daily basis.

6. Have your notes with you so if you have unexpected lulls in your day, you can take them out to review.

7. Turn off cell phones, television, and radio when you are sitting for your extended study periods.

8. Have a healthy snack and water or juice nearby to eliminate the need to take yourself away from the material with what might seem like a nagging urge otherwise.

9. Reward yourself with something you’ve wanted to do or to have once you have completed a block of study time.

10. Each week take some time to evaluate how close you have come to your goal and compare to other weeks. Try to beat your best record next week if you haven’t achieved your goal for that week.