Studying for your HSC (Higher School Certificate) is an exciting time, but it’s not without its challenges. If you’re in year 11 or 12 and studying for your HSC, it’s important to remember that good grades are achievable with the right approach and mindset. One important factor in your success is creating a productive study environment. As one of the top HSC tutoring centres in Sydney, ACE Specialist HSC Tuition has expert tips to help you create a space where you can focus and learn effectively.

Finding a Quiet Space to Study

Choose a designated study space where you won’t be distracted by noise or other people. This could be a library or a quiet space in your home. While you may also use your bedroom as a study space, ideally this is where you should rest, so it’s important to try to separate the spaces.

To minimise distractions from your study, you could consider investing in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones. They significantly reduce background noise like traffic, construction, or lively family homes, allowing you to focus better on your studies. Even in a bustling environment, they can help you create a sense of calm and reduce stress.

Study-Proof Your Phone to Minimise Distractions

These tips can help you transform your phone from a distraction into a valuable study aid. 

Let your family and friends know that you need some quiet time to study by activating “Do Not Disturb” mode during your dedicated study sessions. This silences calls, notifications, and alerts.

Silencing notifications to social media, games, and other distracting apps during study time can be helpful, or you could put your phone away altogether during study sessions. Out of sight means out of mind!

Lighting at Your Study Station is Key

Lighting your study area correctly is extremely important for your performance during study time. Positioning your desk near a window can help you to maximise natural light during the day.

Investing in a good desk lamp that provides bright, focused light without glare will be helpful.  Avoid harsh overhead lighting where you can and try to find a spot with dimmer lights, so you have control over how much lighting is in your room. Additionally, if you find the white or yellow lights from your lamp harsh or distracting, you can buy a tinted lamp bulb to aid in your study with consultation of your optician. Tinted lighting has been proven to affect mood, atmosphere and state of mind to improve productivity and alertness, though it should not be used if you have difficulty with sleep or a mood destabilising disorder.

Blue light enhances alertness and energy, making it most beneficial earlier in the day. However, it should be avoided in the evening to prevent disruptions to circadian rhythms and sleep. Yellow light is linked to boosting creativity, making it ideal for imaginative or artistic activities.

Green light is calming and soothing, often used to relax the mind and reduce the pain of headaches by stimulating natural pain-relief mechanisms. Purple light promotes focus and mental clarity, making it helpful for staying engaged during tasks that require concentration.

Comfort and Position are Crucial

Having a good quality ergonomic chair for your studies cannot be understated; they support your back and will encourage you to adopt a good posture during your studies. 

Comfort doesn’t begin and end at your chair. Incorrect posture can affect blood flow to the brain when the neck is strained and the shoulders are hunched. You should ensure your desk is the right height for you to work comfortably. If you have the space, a standing desk converter allows you to alternate between sitting and standing, which is very important for those long study sessions where you’re sat in the same position for a longer duration of time.

Decorate Your Space to Improve Your Studies

Adding little personal touches to your designated space can be beneficial for several reasons:

• Plants: Plants can improve air quality and create a more relaxing atmosphere.Visions of nature have been known to calm anxiety. 
• Inspirational quotes: Display quotes that motivate and inspire you during your studies.
• Photos of family and friends: Include photos of loved ones to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Remember that your study space should be a place where you feel comfortable, focused, and inspired to learn. Experiment with different arrangements to find what works best for you.

At ACE HSC tuition we strongly encourage our students to use our campus on site for their studies. We always advocate HSC students who are taking on their STEM units for years 11 and 12 to set up study areas at home to maximise their performance while they are participating in our HSC tutoring program.

Some Final Thoughts from ACE HSC Tutoring Services

Creating a productive study environment for your HSC will help you feel more in control of your year 11 or 12 studies. A proactive mindset is the key to your success!

Contact ACE HSC Tutoring Services at (02) 9874 7045, email us at admin@acehsc.com.au, or make an enquiry to find HSC tutors near you. 

You can also sign up for our HSC Review And Preparation Courses.

For more helpful tips to prepare for your HSC exams, you can follow our blog.