Hub
With Ateneans staying home due to the online semester, many have begun to invest in creating conducive learning environments and workspaces at home. The various options for setting up your home setting can get rather overwhelming, though. For those still confused about what items to get, here are some of our suggestions!
- Extension cord
A workspace wouldn’t be complete without an extension cord! Having one nearby saves you the trouble of transferring places just to plug in your laptop, lamp, or other electronics you may need for school.
- Organizers
A messy desk is a distracting, unproductive space. Reduce the clutter around you and sort out your stationery by picking up some organizers! These may be in the form of pen holders, drawer organizers, or bookends.
- Lamp
No natural light? No problem! Having a lamp not only sets the vibe for studying, it also helps reduce the strain on your eyes when working at night. With a variety of options available for desk lamps, it’s almost impossible to not find one suited for both your space and aesthetic.
- Snacks
Stay energized throughout your classes—synchronous or not—by keeping your favorite snacks within your reach. To stay focused, avoid eating too much sweets and opt for healthier alternatives like fruits, crackers, or a sandwich.
- Water/Water bottle
Keeping yourself hydrated is as important as getting that A! Various studies stress that water is important to one’s health, so do your best to keep yourself from getting dehydrated. It will help you concentrate better!
- Index Cards/Post-it notes
Post-it notes are handy when it comes to listing daily tasks, while index cards are great for summarizing your notes into digestible bits. Plus, they get you away from the screen without losing time for studying.
- Laptop stand/Fan and seat cushion
Online learning and spending most of your time seated in front of a laptop or computer puts a significant strain on both your back and your device. Soften your current chair with a seat cushion, throw pillow, or even a new gaming chair altogether! Additionally, you can opt to prevent your laptop from overheating by investing in a lifter or stand—preferably with a built-in fan—to improve ventilation.
- USB/Hard drive
You never know when your laptop’s going to crash. Although Google Drive grants OBF users with unlimited space, having a USB or hard drive to back up your files adds to that sense of security.
- Decorations
Make the space uniquely yours by putting up decorations that suit your style and spark joy! Some popular options are plants to glance at in between online classes, or cork boards and grid panels where you can put up photos, prints, and reminders.
- A statement piece
This doesn’t have to be anything fancy. It can be a stuffed toy, your bias’ photo, a Pokémon figurine, or a mini vacuum. A simple but treasured trinket can transform your desk into a friendlier workspace.
