With universities resorting to teaching online due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many students are having to take online lectures and adapt to learning from home. While this may come with advantages, it also poses some disadvantages for students. Online learning as opposed to face to face learning can sometimes feel like a challenge, so how can students put a positive spin on the current situation and stay focused? Here are some tips to help you stay productive and effectively study from home: 

1. Start your day with something to look forward to

Whether that be your favourite coffee, a morning shower to get you energised or a jog around the neighbourhood: starting your day with something positive can dramatically improve your morale.

2. Structure your day

Structuring your day allows you to plan your routine, for example through structured lists like a to-do list to prioritise your tasks. Getting dressed for the day and healthy morning habits, like waking up at the same time every day can also be beneficial to your productivity as well as your health. It has shown that having a fixed wake time can improve concentration, learning and immunity.

3. Study at home effectively

Create a study area in your home, preferably somewhere quiet and with a calm atmosphere. A good working place would be at a desk with enough lighting and a tidy environment, which can all affect your focus. So pick somewhere where you won’t be distracted and stick to your separate working space.

Budgeting is key to figuring out your expenses and keeping tabs on your money. Knowing how much money you are spending and identifying expenses will help you with your financial stability while increasing your financial literacy skills. Take these things into account when you start:

1. What is your average student income? And how can you use it to calculate your expenses? Understand how much you will be required to pay, especially regarding essential student expenses such as: course tuition, housing, bills, transportation, personal expenses, course materials and groceries.
2. Also, consider other costs that aren’t vital. Entertainment, nights out, gym memberships and money spent on hobbies
3. Work out your outgoing expenses and create a weekly budget plan. By making such plans, for example, such as your week’s worth of grocery bills and transportation costs, you will notice that you have more control of your finances and will be able to much more easily see where the money is being spent. You will also have fewer figures to work with which will make managing expenses easier. 
4. Set goals. Whether this is through keeping a journal of your expenses, using budgeting apps or using other financial tools – these are great to help you review your monthly income, assort different expenses and take charge of your finances.

Did you know The ‘United Kingdom’ refers to the political union of the 4 nations?

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is made up of four countries on the island of Great Britain alongside Northern Ireland. While united, each country is unique and has their own identity.

Some fun facts:

–England; the largest country of the UK and home to 84.3% of the UK population

–Scotland; divided into the Lowlands, Highlands and islands. Glasgow as largest city

–Wales; home to the Welsh language and largely mountainous

and alongside

–Northern Ireland; smallest country of the UK. In 1921 Ireland was partitioned into 2 parts.