| Home study is an increasingly popular option for | | | | People with full-time day jobs will probably opt to |
| UK adults looking to gain extra qualifications while | | | | study when they come home in the evening, but |
| holding down a regular job, or for those who live | | | | that might not be the best time. The decision is a |
| too far away to attend classes in person. | | | | personal one, and depends on whether you're |
| While such courses are ideal for people in those | | | | more alert first thing in the morning or last thing |
| circumstances, there are a number of hints and | | | | at night. In contrast, people who don't work, or |
| tips that can make life even easier when studying | | | | who have a part-time job, might find it easier to |
| from home. | | | | study in blocks throughout the day, and so |
| The first is the simplest - sort out where you're | | | | preserve their sleep patterns. |
| going to study. If you have the luxury of a spare | | | | In each case, anyone who embarks on home |
| room in your house it might be best to convert | | | | study needs to be clear as to when they will do |
| that into a dedicated office or study, where you | | | | their coursework. Sticking to a set routine aids |
| can get on with your work in peace. Although | | | | concentration, and helps keep noisy children at |
| many families have a PC in a more public room, | | | | bay if you have a family. |
| using it will mean it's easier to get distracted by | | | | Home study courses are perhaps best suited to |
| family life, and you might not have space for | | | | people who are comfortable working under their |
| reading materials or text books. | | | | own initiative, and who can free up some time to |
| A public area might also not be the most | | | | make it work. You need to consider whether you'll |
| comfortable. While it's all well and good using a PC | | | | achieve your goals without a tutor or teacher |
| for a few minutes at a time, if you're on there | | | | breathing down your neck. |
| for anything more than an hour it's a good idea to | | | | However, because those goals tend to be set by |
| consider investing in a decent chair that adjusts | | | | you, home study can make sense for even the |
| for height and angle. It's already common practice | | | | least motivated people. Many courses let you set |
| in offices, where the potential for repetitive strain | | | | the pace, which is less intimidating that more |
| injury is high. | | | | structured 'in-house' courses. |
| Lighting, another key consideration in offices and | | | | Home study typically also lets you decide when to |
| universities, is also important when you study at | | | | start a course, unlike fixed courses which follow |
| home. If you're struggling to read text books, | | | | terms or semesters. If you know you'll have |
| your progress will be slower, and there are the | | | | more time on your hands during the dark winter |
| same risks to health as with an unsuitable chair. | | | | months, studying from home gives you the option |
| Once you're happy with where you study, you | | | | of starting a course later than the regular intake |
| need to think about when you study. | | | | periods of August and September. |