Setting up a workable home student office is important to be sure it is a comfortable and effective place to work. There are a few important things to keep in mind when designing a home student office, such as where it will be located in the home, the type of furniture and technology that will be included, and the best ways to minimize distractions. When setting up a home office, it is generally best to set aside a room especially for this purpose, though this may not always be possible for a student office. Instead, selecting a quiet corner or a more isolated area of the home to set up a desk or working area can work as well.
To begin setting up a home student office, consider what needs to be included in the office. Typically, this will include a desk, a comfortable chair, and a computer at the very least. Lighting is also important. Items for the walls, such as a white board or bulletin board for making notes, may also be necessary. Decorations to make the area more pleasant to be in, such as photos on the wall or plants on the desk, can also be helpful.
The most important things for a home student office are a comfortable desk and chair to sit and write or to use the computer. A general rule of thumb for setting up an office like this is to make sure the individual is able to sit comfortably in the chair with the feet flat on the floor and the knees slightly lower than the hips. The elbows should be bent at a ninety-degree angle, and the hands should be fairly flat for typing; the computer screen should be level with the eyes. This is ergonomically the most comfortable and can prevent pain from slouching.
It is also important for a home student office to be well lit to prevent eyestrain and tiredness. A window or some plants can also make the office a more pleasant place to be, and plants can oxygenate the room. A file cabinet or bookshelf can also be a good way to stay organized and make it easier to find things when they are needed; some people find that hanging things on the wall, such as a bulletin board, can make organization easier as well, and is not just decorative. Removing distractions from the room, such as a television, can make it easier to focus on the task at hand, though some people do work better with music, so a set of speakers might be an option.