(It has been a while since my first two “back to school” posts, but I’m taking the advice of Niche Pursuits’ video and improving and connecting content. Here is my first step in that direction. My first two posts are about deciding to go back to school and picking the right school for you. Click on either of those links to read about my experience if you think it will help you.)
During my first experience in college, I could study almost anywhere and at any time. I can still study almost anywhere if it’s quiet enough or if I can block out distractions. (At one job, I had a coworker who used to like to talk to me while I was trying to read my textbook at lunch. There’s no blocking out someone sitting three feet across a table from you so I feel your pain when – not if – this happens to you.) I can no longer study at any time of the day or night because, as a middle-aged adult, I actually like getting sleep at night. I don’t want to be up reading at one in the morning. I want to be snoring.
When I ask, “What’s your setup?,” what I mean is how are you making it easier at home or work or wherever you’ll be studying? I need a desk to work at even if I’m using a laptop whether it’s a lap desk or a full size desk. I need a comfortable chair. I need an easy to reach printer and bookcase for all my materials. I don’t want to have to look for my APA style manual every time I have a citation question. I want to know where my old folders are in case I want to reference an article I’ve used in the past. I want my printer paper easy to find when I need it, and I want highlighting markers and sticky notes close by to mark my textbook. This might seem like a small thing, but it makes life so much easier when you are in the midst of a class.
Whether you use a lap desk, a full size desk, or the end of a kitchen table, having your setup be as stress free as possible will help you move along in your class. Even after two years, I’m still refining my process, and I’ll discover a new idea or trick that makes things easier. I prefer to use my laptop on a lap desk so I can sit anywhere in the house while I work. I have my printer on top of a short bookcase, my class materials are kept on the bookcase, and my printer paper is in a desk cabinet right next to it all. I can immediately lay hands on my style manual, and I have my sticky notes in the same place I always keep them in a little drawer so I can reach them as soon as I need them. They are all small details, but they have definitely removed a lot of my stress while I’ve been taking my classes.
In my experience, your setup doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to work for you so you’re not wandering around trying to find all the things you need the night before a seven page paper is due. Also, check your supply inventory. Do you have enough paper, pens, highlighting markers, sticky notes, and toner/printer ink? If not, stock up before class even starts. Don’t wait. I’ve been there. Aargh! Just remember, a place for everything and everything in its place because you will thank yourself before you’re done.
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Inspirational verse for the day:
“Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (HCSB)
All Things Subject to Change 