It’s a common trend for IA students to be flooded with homework, and especially with time shortages, it’s even more common to be torn between working at home or at school. Of course, a desk is a desk regardless of location, but the area you work inside can make all the difference on how well you focus and how productive you are. Between the distractions at home and the noise of school, it’s tough but absolutely crucial to designate between turning in an essay early and staring at a screen past midnight.

Preferring to do his work at home, Ethan Hemphill [11] shared that it simply feels more manageable there. “It’s a lot easier than having to do it at school… that’s where I am most of the time.” He added that it also depends on distractions, stating “I would recommend putting your phone somewhere else… just kind of limiting distractions if you can,” which helps him manage his time better. Ethan also added some advice for others, suggesting to “[try] playing music, classical music, not anything with vocals.”

Experts also pointed out how the physical environment of where you study plays a major part in how effectively, with Ella Hendrix of UCAS stating that “Lighting can also play an important role in how well you engage in your learning.” Studies made in the article found that naturally lit settings tend to result in 25% higher grades than those in classrooms, not to mention boosting mood and relieving stress and anxiety (Hendrix).

Ultimately, it’s up to personal preference when finding the right place to work; different schedules and habits make a catch-all impossible. What matters most is being able to have a space that can minimize distractions and maximize focus – whether that means finding a desk near a window or just shoving away a phone. Grades don’t care where they’re achieved, but brains certainly care about where they’re used.