Setup for studying at home
We appreciate that not everyone may have a desk or office space at home, so we’ve written this guide on the ideal setup and also to give some tips on setting up a study space at home if you don’t have a desk.
The ideal setup
Ideally you want to be sitting at a computer desk with an adjustable chair.
- Look straight ahead
Monitor at eye level or just below and an arm’s length away. If using multiple monitors, angle them inwards to reduce neck rotation. - Give your EYES a break.
Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. 20-20-20. - ELBOWS and FOREARMS level with the desk surface, shoulders are down and relaxed. Adjust chair height or prop yourself up with additional cushions.
- FEET planted on the floor.
A Footrest is ideal; alternatively, use a box. - Keyboard and mouse positioned close to the edge of the desk to avoid unnecessary stretching. Don’t shrug SHOULDERS when typing and mousing; lower the work surface or adjust your chair height to avoid this.
- Sit BACK taking full backrest support. Adjustable chairs are ideal. For more lumbar support place a cushion or rolled up towel behind you.
- Keep THIGHS parallel to the floor,
knees slightly lower than the hips. - Regular MOVEMENT is key. Get up from your chair 2-3 times an hour for 30 – 60 seconds or 5-10 minutes every hour. Add dynamic stretches to daily routines as well as walking.
Handy alternatives
If you don’t have a desk you at a pinch you can use an ironing board and adjust it to a height that is comfortable for you to work at.
Try to keep in mind the tips for how to sit at a computer desk above and use a chair that enables you to sit comfortably at your makeshift desk.
Book a study space at college
We have a number of dedicated study spaces in college that you can book if you don’t have an appropriate study space at home.
