Studying from home this exam week? We get it. You don’t want the hassle of finding a seat at the library and the commute to and from uni.

But before you start, there are a few tips and tricks you should know. (Like staying away from the fridge no matter what!)

#1 Pls Be Clean

You probably already know this and you’re dreading it. But when the time comes, you really do need to clean out that hidey-hole you’ve been cooped up in for this whole semester.

If you’re going to be working from home, the room you’re studying in needs to look like a place you’re happy to spend many hours in. Even better, shuffle your furniture around so it feels like a different room and buy a nice candle to chase away the stench of microwave meals. And it’s time to do the walk of shame and carry down all the cups/water bottles you’ve been hoarding!

#2 El Naturale

And no, I don’t mean studying nude. Buy yourself some nice flowers or even a mini cactus. According to studies, just looking at nature can help with your brain power. And let’s face it we need all the help we can get!

And another thing: open your windows for once, you gremlin. Research has also found that exposure to natural light improves studying performance. With the wind blowing in the background and the sun beaming through the window, you’ll feel smarter before you’ve even opened your textbook.

#3 Let’s Get Physical

Look up some exercises to do on your breaks so you don’t look like the hunchback of Notre dame when all this is over.

It’s easy to get stiff shoulders, back and neck when you’re bent over your notes or laptop for hours on end. But the best part about studying from home is that you can lie down on the floor or use your desk to do your stretches without brothering anyone or getting funny looks.

And anyway, as a given you should just practise self-care and be kind to your body in this stressful time. You can find some basic stretches here.

#4 Wear Pants 

Now I don’t mean to tell you how to live your life, but you’re going to have to put on some pants. I know studying from home is great because you can just wear pyjamas all day, but come exam time we need to get down to business. If your brain associates your PJ’s with Netflix time, you’re going to just want to watch Netflix.

Trust me, you’ll feel much better about your life if you look presentable and actually brush your hair in the morning. 

#5 Get A Good Chair 

Make sure you have a comfortable chair that gives you good posture and doesn’t hurt your butt after a long amount of time. But not too comfy or you’ll fall asleep!

While we’re on the topic of sleep, studying on your bed is a big no-no. You’ll only start to feel sleepy, and it’s not the best for your posture if you’re slumped against the pillows all day.

#6 Set A Finish Time

Don’t wake up with the expectation that you’re going to study all day long. Most likely that’s just not going to happen and you’ll end up disappointing yourself.

Make achievable goals for yourself, write down a list of just three things you really need to do today and then cross them off when you’re done (it’s really satisfying).

Set a finish time for yourself so you can look forward to when the end is near and make sure you schedule some free time for your family and friends.

Sophie Nicolas is studying a bachelor of Arts majoring in creative writing and is an aspiring writer, dog enthusiast and thrift shop fashion icon.

(Lead image: New Girl/FOX)