12 Tips To Make Studying And Working From Home A Little Better

Whether you're working from your desk, the couch, or anywhere in between — there's a Microsoft Surface device to help you get it done.

The Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Pro 7 will be on major sale at Best Buy starting Nov 16.

1. Start your day by making a plan. That way, you'll know exactly what you need to do and when you need to do it.

Microsoft

Aside from helping you stay organized each day, nothing feels more satisfying than ticking things off a to-do list. You can use Microsoft OneNote and the Surface Pen to take notes on your Surface Pro 7 — it's just like taking notes on pen and paper! The “To Do” app within Microsoft 365 also allows you to make a running to-do list, so you'll never miss anything.

2. Mix things up! If you're not inspired working at your desk, head to your couch or porch for a change of scenery.

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Grab your Surface Laptop 3 and work from anywhere in the house. It's super light and has an all-day battery life of up to 11.5 hours, so you won't even need to bring your charger.

3. Organize your desk so you know where everything is.

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Stock up on file folders and binders (if you keep physical copies of your stuff) or get a bin or basket to keep all your chargers, cords, and electronic doodads in. It will be way easier to get things done with a clear space.

4. Schedule time to talk with your classmates and colleagues on video chat so you feel more connected with them.

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The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 has a 720p HD f2.0 camera (front-facing), Dual far-field Studio Mics, and Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby® Audio™ — basically, everything you need to feel like you're chatting in real life.

5. Mix up how you work.

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Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 can be used as a tablet or laptop, so you can seamlessly switch between typing and writing. The versatile 2-in-1 laptop functionality for working and playing is based on your needs, whether its shopping, banking, or streaming movies.

6. Stage and customize your video chat background on Microsoft Teams.

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It's a fun way to shake things up for your meetings (and will encourage you to keep your apartment tidy). There tons of backgrounds and modes you can play around with! Plus, the ultra-crisp camera on the Surface Pro 7 will catch everything, so that faux flower arrangement you spent hours putting together will finally get the recognition it deserves.

7. Schedule breaks to keep yourself motivated. Little walks or stretching can work serious magic.

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Do anything that gets you away from your work, like yoga, colouring, walking your dog, or whipping up a fancy coffee drink.

8. Make working (and playing) easier with the Surface Pro 7.

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It has a powerful Intel® Core™ processor that'll give you smoother flow across browser tabs and faster performance. Or if you feel like drawing or note taking on paper, try the Surface Pen functionality with the Microsoft Surface Pro 7.

9. Invest in some decor and make your office space your own.

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Nobody wants to spend their day at a basic, boring desk. Treat yourself to an adorable pencil holder, some plants (real or fake, nobody will know!), cute boxes and bins, and prints to hang above your desk.

10. Try to keep your work and study hours as regular as possible.

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Having a routine will keep you on track and motivated. It doesn't have to be 9–5 if you're not on the clock! If you're a night owl, set up a schedule that starts later so you can really put your best foot forward.

11. Keep distractions to a minimum. Try to make your "office" feel like a real office.

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If you live with roommates, you may need to stay in your bedroom or wear noise-canceling Surface Headphones 2 to stop outside sounds from interrupting your work. Don't watch TV while you work, don't let your dog pull you into playtime — when you're at your desk, you are working!

12. And finally, leave your work at your desk.

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If you overdo it, you'll be more likely to burn out (and nobody wants that feeling). Kick back with your Surface Laptop 3 and stream your favourite show on or game with your pals — it's time to relax.

The Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Pro 7 (and other Microsoft Surface products) are available at Best Buy.

Microsoft

The Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Pro 7 will be on major sale at Best Buy starting Nov 16.

Additional thumbs via Getty Images.