Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

19.2 
Finding a place to study
Studying does not always come naturally to people and it 
often has to be learned, so it is worth paying attention to 
the basics of study. It is easier to acquire the habit of study 
if the student works in a place that has been designated 
for the purpose. Choose somewhere reasonably quiet and 
free from distractions, with good ventilation (essential for 
alertness) and a comfortable temperature. Make sure there 
is enough light – a reading lamp helps to prevent eyestrain 
and tiredness.
Choose an upright chair rather than an armchair 
and make sure that the workspace is large enough. The 
size recommended by Warwick University, for example, 
is a minimum of 60 cm 
⫻
1.5 m. If possible, fi nd a place 
where study materials do not have to be cleared away 
as it is very easy to put off starting work if they are not 
instantly accessible.
19.3 
Planning for study
Start by making a study timetable. Planned study 
periods need to be established so that they do not get 
squeezed out of the busy working week. Depending on 
the type of syllabus being followed, the timetable will 
need to include time for carrying out assignments set by 
tutors, time for going over lecture notes and materials, 
any further reading rated as ‘essential’ and, if possible, 
reading rated as ‘desirable’. Time should also be allo-
cated for revision as the course progresses because the 
more regularly the information is revised, the more fi rmly 
it will become fi xed in ‘long-term memory’. This makes it 
very much easier to recall information for an exam.
After every hour of study, take a short break and, 
if possible, have a change of atmosphere. Physical 
exercise is very helpful in increasing the ability to 
concentrate and even a brisk walk round the block can 
do wonders for the attention span.
Variation is another way of holding the attention, so 
it helps to alter the type of activity. For example, time 
could be spent gathering information from books, the 
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