Now that the extended Christmas break is firmly in the rear view window, it's time to really crack down and be driven over the next few months to drag your grade up as high as possible. With deadlines, assessments and exams all fast approaching, it's time to hit the books and work hard. If your student house sounds more like a warzone than a working haven, it might be time to turn your room into a revision retreat. If you want somewhere you can truly get some relief and focus on studies, check out our tips on getting in  the zone for studying.

Make sure you're secluded from the bedlam

We all know how a student house can get, and if you're spending an evening in doing work, you'll have any number of distractions around you that you need to avoid. From friends coming around before a night out, to rowdy competitions on the Xbox, distractions and noise can be everywhere. Make sure that your room isn't in a loud zone, and if it is try and move to a more secluded spot. The sound of voices and fun can not only slow down your production, but also lead to mistakes creeping into your work. If you can hear a buzz of activity from downstairs, why not put on some soft music to drain it out. Something instrumental and without vocals is ideal and can even make an environment more conducive to work.

Workspace

The chances are that you'll have a desk in your room, however as a typical student, it's highly unlikely to be clean and suitable for working on. If your desk is covered with dirty washing and the dishes from your tea last night, you need to have a bedroom clean. Having a clear workspace will put you in the right frame of mind for a session of studying. It'll give you room for books, means you won't lose notes and you'll have no distractions in your nearby vicinity.

Lighting

There's nothing more depressing than being bogged down with assessments and having to sit in the dark to slowly get through them all. It's remarkable how much difference lighting can have on both your mood and your attitude to work. If your room is a bit gloomy and the main light isn't bright enough, then you might need a desk lamp.

Get comfy

University courses are gruelling and if you want a top grade, it'll involve a lot of hard work. The chances are that you'll spend a lot of time working at your desk if you're determined to succeed. The thought of sitting in an awful uncomfortable chair is more than enough to deter even the most conscientious of student from cracking on with work. If there are other chairs in the house and are unused, swap them around until you find one that is comfy enough for you to work on.

Be equipped

Once your workspace is ready, you're all set to get cracking. Make sure that you have all the books, resources and equipment ready on your desk though, otherwise you'll constantly find yourself on the move grabbing books and pens. so gather everything you might need, arrange it on your desk and settle in for the long haul.