Earning your degree at Johnson & Wales University Online (JWU Online) means you can earn your degree in a flexible, online format while balancing work, family and other personal commitments. Ensuring you have a space that allows you to complete your work efficiently is essential. Here, we sharing tips to help you create an effective workspace for your academic journey.
1. Designate A Dedicated Area
Having a dedicated work area where you can complete your coursework will help you to focus and stay on track. Michael O’Malley, Academic Program Director, shares a few ways to find the right space. “Choose a quiet, well-lit space primarily used for schoolwork. Keeping it separate from relaxation or entertainment areas helps train your brain to focus when in that space,” he notes.
“If your living situation makes this difficult, get creative to establish a designated space. For example, someone who uses their laptop at the dining room table might find that adding a desk pad and accessories when doing classwork helps create a mental cue that signals a switch to study mode. These mental tricks can be especially useful in multi-use environments.” Based on what works best for you, having a designated work area can help you succeed in a digital learning environment.
Current JWU Online student, Kristin Dobbins, shared her workspace and explained how it keeps her focused. “This is my study corner in my room. It’s cozy enough to keep me focused and out of the direct line of fire of everyday family life. It may seem cluttered to some, but it is sprinkled with all of my ‘whys’ for being 38 with a full-time career juggling a family and still wanting to further my education.”
2. Stay Organized
Throughout your academic journey, it’s important to keep your workspace organized. Although your assignments are submitted via computer, you’ll have other tools such as writing utensils, notepads and textbooks. Keeping the must-have materials near you can help your area stay organized and prevent you from getting distracted. “Keep only essential materials like your laptop, notebook and pens within reach, and eliminate distractions such as clutter, unrelated papers and personal devices if possible,” O’Malley explains. “The goal is to create a different vibe when moving from work, play, or relaxation to school.” Keeping your workspace clear and organized can help you stay focused.
3. Prioritize Comfort
While our programs allow you to learn in an asynchronous format — meaning you are not required to sign on at a specific day or time — it’s important that your work environment is designed to fit your needs. O’Malley notes, “Prioritize comfortable, supportive seating and good lighting to prevent ergonomic issues like back and eye strain.” Pursuing your degree is a commitment and ensuring you have the support you need is essential.
Dobbins shares what helps her: “I often get up at 5am to do schoolwork, so the lamp helps give me light without waking my husband. I bought a great chair on Amazon and I love it! I use headphones to listen as I watch the videos for my classes, a fan to the side to keep the air moving, and my soundscapes on (I like the coffee shop and rolling thunderstorm ones from my Calm app!). Always water! And a blanket just in case. I’m actually considering a coffeepot as well, but it does help to get up and stretch my legs.”
4. Adapt To Your Needs
Every person works best in different settings. Whether you feel most efficient working at your dining room table, outside with a cup of coffee or at a desk in your home office, you can adapt your workspace to fit your needs. We recommend creating a schedule for yourself to ensure you stay on track with your coursework. “Breaking work sessions into smaller bites rather than marathon sessions can help overcome procrastination,” O’Malley notes. “Go into the week with a plan. Review all of the assignments in advance and break them into smaller, more manageable chunks; plus, it’s important to allocate time to just think about your plan of action.” Equip your workspace with resources that keep you focused, motivated, and create a positive learning environment.
“I have a desk in the corner of my room, but I usually prefer working at the foot of my bed. I prop my computer up on a padded lap desk (a thoughtful gift from my daughter and son-in-law), keep a blanket nearby and sit in a folding chair with a soft cushion. To stay focused, I keep healthy snacks like trail mix or chips within reach, along with my Stanley cup of water and Netflix. It’s my little nighttime workstation when the house is quiet.” – Bridgette Lottihall, current JWU Online student
Earn Your Degree with JWU Online
These tips can help you create a space where you feel inspired to learn. Start your JWU Online journey today by exploring our wide range of online degree programs. For more information complete our Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881 or email [email protected].
