It’s a fact that creating a personal study space is critical to your ability to study effectively. Although it may be hard to find a place to get away from the responsibilities of your daily life (especially with roommates), acclimatizing a personal area or creating a studying ritual can help build concentration. After all, if you can’t concentrate on your material, you certainly can’t expect to learn it.

This personal study space does not necessarily mean a completely silent and secluded area, but it does entail finding a place that fits your specific personality and learning style. Since all students are different (some need a completely quiet room, while others study better amongst others), take the time to assess your own needs and plan for a unique study area.

Creating a studying ritual can also help, making your learning experience more like a ceremony. The best way to create this ritual is to evaluate your own personality and preferences. Determine if you are vulnerable to noise or other distractions or if you require long periods of study or a number of short study periods accented by breaks.

Identify your space and claim it. Although your bedroom may seem like an obvious choice, it can be associated with rest, hence, causing undue distraction. Making your area comfortable is a necessity, but falling asleep in your study space can only lead to further study worries.

Building a space that meets your needs, promotes comfort and fits your study regiment is a great way to alleviate the tension of final exams, presentations and research assignments. Now all you have to do is shut off your cell phone, crack a book and get to work.