According to Maryville University, 38% of their undergraduates are older than 25. With the prevalence of online classes and an ever-changing job market, many adults are choosing to go back to school for a career shift while still working full-time.
However, a critical piece of how to go back to school as an adult involves your home: ensuring you have a suitable space to study, attend online classes, and do homework after work. These tips will help you design your work and study space to ace your classes and boost your career!
1. Keep It Intentional With Multi-Use Study Room Ideas
If you work from home, you likely have a dedicated space for working day in and day out. But what happens when you also need to use that same room for school?
Luckily, most of the things you need for a great WFH setup overlap with what you will need for a study space. Separating the two can help you switch gears from work to school. It might sound silly, but finding ways to signal to your brain that work is over and it’s time for class can help. Some ideas include:
Switch sides of the desk
Work on a laptop? You might want to consider a desk that allows you to switch gears. Consider an L-shaped desk, executive desk, workstation-style desk, or dining table that can moonlight as a desk. At the end of your work day, roll your chair to the other side of your desk and face a different direction. You’re pretty literally changing your perspective! You can switch sides (think left to right and vice versa) or approach your desk opposite to gain a new vantage. Though it may seem like a minor tweak, making a physical adjustment can help you mentally shift gears… without needing to add a whole new setup to your space.
Change the lighting
While you work, let’s say you have a floor lamp keeping the room bright. When it’s time for class, turn that lamp off and turn on a different light, such as a set of LED fairy lights.
Swap out computers
If you have a laptop or computer provided by your employer, you may not be allowed to use it for school. At the end of the workday, shut down your work computer and switch to your personal computer. This will also help keep work distractions at bay, such as late-night Slack notifications or emails that may pop up while you study.
Change your clothes
Again, this one might sound odd, but stick with us. Many people firmly believe that getting dressed for the day when working from home – even just changing out of pajamas and into other casual wear if permitted by their dress code – helps them get into their “work” mindset.
Use this mindset switch for school, too. Change out of your work clothes into something different for class. You might even consider treating yourself to a shirt or hoodie to represent your new school!
Come up with a transition routine
Whether you use all of the tips above or just one, a transition routine can be helpful. In other words, if you can help it, don’t just shut one laptop and immediately open the other.
Try a 20-minute yoga routine between work and class, or go for a walk. Eat a snack or read a chapter of a “just-for-fun” book. Take a few minutes to breathe, escape the computer screen, and mentally prepare to switch gears.
2. Maximize Productivity With Your Desk Setup and Study Room Design
A comfortable, high-quality workspace can make or break your study session. Even if you already have a home office that works fine, it can be helpful to audit your space to ensure it’s also ideal for studying and attending classes if you’re taking online courses.
Make sure your desk is large enough
There’s nothing worse than a desk that is too cramped, especially if you’re going to be using your desk for work and school. If you have the space, opt for a larger desk (think L-shaped, executive, or a workstation). For online classes, you may need to have books, notes, and your computer out all at once. Ensure you have enough space to work at your desk and use all of the supplies you need.
If you’re tight on space, consider a smaller desk and smart storage solutions that can free up your desk space as much as possible, such as filing cabinets, floating shelves, or bookcases.
Invest in a comfortable chair
If you work from home, hopefully, you already have a comfortable, ergonomic office chair. If not, now’s the time to buy one. You’ll likely spend a lot of time working and studying in that chair, so finding one that is supportive and suitable for both is critical.
Store your work and school supplies separately
You don’t want to dig through work-related paperwork to find the notes you took for class last week. Consider investing in storage, such as a bookcase or filing cabinet, to organize your work and school life.
Make it your own
You’ll likely spend a lot of time in this room, so don’t forget to make it your own! Paint it with your favorite color and hang artwork on the walls. Add plants, a cute rug, and photos of your loved ones. You may even feel inspired to add a dream board that reminds you of what you’re working towards.
3. Minimize Distractions in Your Study Space
Your time is at a premium when you’re working full-time and going to school. Distractions can cost you valuable time and mental space, so keeping them at bay is essential. Craft your home study sanctuary with these tools:
- Headphones: Invest in high-quality noise-canceling headphones.
- Do not disturb: Turn your phone to Do Not Disturb, and if needed, put a do not disturb sign on your door for intense study sessions.
- Set study blocks: If you have kids, a spouse, roommates, or anyone else who may need your time and attention, schedule and communicate study blocks with them so that they know when they can expect you to be available.
- Soundproof: Noise is inevitable if you share your home with people or pets. Aside from noise-canceling headphones, consider soundproofing your study space with soft goods such as rugs and tapestries.
4. Turn to CORT Outlet for Your WFH and Study Space Furniture
Juggling a full-time job while returning to school can be a huge undertaking. Your space needs to serve you well and help streamline your transition from work to class.
If you’re ready to change up your home office for better flexibility, turn to CORT Furniture Outlet for great pieces to help you find your work-study zen. At CORT Outlet, you’ll find discounted furniture pieces and sets, including home office, at a fraction of retail prices that you can take home same-day. Browse online or visit your local CORT Furniture Outlet and see what our ever-changing inventory offers you today!
