Back to School Study Environment Audit
Planning ahead to prepare for a successful school year
The environment we work within can have a significant impact on the way we focus, engage, and follow through. Something as simple as discomfort or an annoying buzzing sound can disrupt focus and distract from the task at hand. In particular, for students with ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence, the environment can be an essential part of supporting their ability to access and apply their executive functions.
We all design our environment. But we don’t always take into consideration the specific elements that help or hinder when using that space for something specific, like studying. Small changes, organizational systems, routines, and visual prompts can make a world of difference to someone who typically struggles with executive functions, anxiety, or learning challenges. Having a well-designed, intentional space is the first step towards setting yourself up for success this school year.
As the school year gets underway, it can be helpful to check in to see what small changes can be made to best prepare us for the school year.
Something that often comes up throughout the year is difficulty with studying and homework completion. Whether you are the parent of an adolescent or teen, or a college student looking to prepare for this semester, this environmental audit is for you!
An environmental audit is a review of your study space to ensure you have what you need, that those things are accessible, and you are considering what might get in the way of successful studying.
Let’s do an environmental audit to build the ideal study space!
Check in on the following:
Physical Space
Do you have a consistent work/study space that is always accessible to you?
Do you feel physically comfortable in this space?
Is there enough space to work comfortably?
Clutter & Organization
Is there clutter in the workspace that can be removed?
Do you have a system in place to organize your workspace, bag, papers, etc.?
Can you easily find the things you need (i.e., highlighters, calculator, charger) without searching?
Do you have a system for organizing assignments, notes, forms, etc.?
Sensory Environment
Consider the noise level in your study space. Are there distractions or nuisance sounds?
If you know what helps you focus most (i.e., complete silence, some background noise, soft instrumental music, etc.) can you use headphones, background noise, music, or other methods to reduce undesirable sounds and enhance focus?
Are there any smells or textures that you find distracting or bothersome in your study space?
Is the space appropriately lit (no harsh lighting or the space isn’t too dim)?
Digital Environment
Where do you keep your phone during study time? Is it visible? Do Not Disturb?
Are the apps in your phone, laptop, or other digital devices well organized so you don’t have to scroll past distractions to get to apps needed for homework?
What is the plan to remove distractions if the phone, laptop, or other devices become distracting during study time?
Routine & Planning
Do you have study time routinely built into your schedule?
Are you using calendars, agendas, or other visual reminder/scheduling systems?
Do you have a system for visual prompts or reminders to help you track assignments and stay on track with deadlines? (Think checklists, daily to-do lists, etc.)
Support System
Who can you go to for support?
Do you have a plan for self-advocacy?
If you have an IEP or 504 Plan, do you know what accommodations are available to you and how to advocate for them?
Post-Review Follow Through
After reviewing each area, what is working and what could be improved? Set out an immediate goal to make those adjustments. If there are larger changes to be made, break that plan down into smaller, actionable steps that can be completed over the course of the next few months. Small improvements over time are better than none at all, and ultimately will be in place for next semester when you do this review again.
If you find that despite a well-organized environment you (or your child) still struggle to get started, stay on track, or follow through, then executive functioning support may be beneficial. Visit my website to learn more about executive functioning support, psychoeducational assessment, and reach out for a free 15-minute consultation call.
About The Author
Amanda Marshall, Ph.D., NCSP
Dr. Marshall is a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist, and the founder of Inspire Psychology, a private psychology practice serving adolescents, adults, and families across New Jersey, New York, and PSYPACT participating jurisdictions. She specializes in neurodivergent experiences, executive functioning, learning differences, anxiety, depression, OCD, and life transitions. Her approach is grounded in acceptance — helping people understand their own minds with curiosity rather than judgment. If something here resonated, you can learn more or schedule a free 15-minute consultation at inspirepsycnj.com
