Concentration at university depends mainly on three things: a study space without distractions that pull you away, fixed work blocks with real breaks, and a phone that is not within reach. If you adjust these three levers, you will usually notice within a few study days that you stay with one task for longer. The following sections show how to put this into practice.
Key points at a glance
- A tidy study space with good light and fresh air takes many small decisions off your mind.
- Work blocks of about 25 minutes with short breaks, as in the Pomodoro Technique, keep your focus high.
- The phone belongs out of sight. Even notifications are enough to lose your train of thought.
- Sleep, exercise and regular eating and drinking are part of concentration.
- If you cannot switch off permanently or feel severely exhausted, speak to a doctor.
How to set up your study space for concentration at university
Clear your desk before every study session, so that only what you need right now is on it. Everything else is a silent invitation for your thoughts to wander, whether it is the pile of post, yesterday’s cup or the folder for another module.
Light matters too. Daylight keeps you awake, and in the evening a desk lamp that lights your work surface without glare helps. Air the room before you start and briefly during breaks, because stale air makes you tired. A chair that lets you sit upright and a screen at eye level stop tension from pulling you out of your work after an hour.
Studying in the library, at home or in a study group?
It depends on your task. Focused reading and writing often works better in the library, because the place itself signals that work is happening there. At home, it helps to have a fixed place used only for studying, so that your mind links the desk with work. A study group is better suited to discussing and quizzing each other than to working through material for the first time.
Does music help when studying?
That is individual. If noise from outside disturbs you, earplugs or headphones with noise cancellation can help. When texts need to be understood, music with lyrics distracts many people. Steady background sounds without speech are pleasant for some. Try it on two or three study days and notice how much you actually get done.
What helps against phone distractions while studying?
Put your phone in another room, or at least in a bag out of sight. This works better than good intentions, because you do not have to decide again every time. If it has to stay nearby, turn off notifications for social media and messengers and use your device’s focus or “Do Not Disturb” mode.
It is better to plan phone time deliberately, ideally during breaks and not in the middle of a work phase. That gives your curiosity its place without breaking up your work session. On a computer, you can use programmes that block certain websites for a fixed period. This helps if you notice that you almost automatically open a new tab.
What do you do when your own thoughts distract you?
Keep a notepad next to your laptop. If a shopping item, a message or a task comes to mind in the middle of studying, jot it down in a keyword and carry on working. During the break, go through the notepad. This relieves your mind, because nothing gets lost. To tackle procrastination at its core, our article on how to avoid procrastination (in German) is also helpful.
How long can you concentrate, and how should you schedule breaks?
Nobody maintains constant focus for hours, which is why fixed blocks work well. With the Pomodoro Technique, you work on a single task for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break and repeat this four times. After that comes a longer break. The numbers are a starting template. If you immerse yourself deeply in a text, you can lengthen the blocks; if you drift off quickly, shorten them.
A good break means taking your eyes off the screen. Stand up, drink a glass of water, open the window, take a few steps. If you scroll through messages during the break, you will not return to your desk refreshed.
Which way of learning keeps your mind on the task?
Active learning holds attention better than simply reading. Write summaries in your own words, solve practice problems and quiz yourself before you read through the material again. At the same time you notice where the gaps are. Before the session, formulate a concrete goal, such as “work through chapter 3 and solve the related exercises”, rather than “study for the exam”.
Start with the most unpleasant task while your mind is still fresh. For more methods, see our overview of exam preparation (in German). For how to organise the weeks as a whole, see our article on organising your studies (in German).
How do sleep, exercise and diet affect concentration?
Tiredness is one of the most common reasons for lapses in concentration. A regular sleep rhythm, with similar times on weekdays and at weekends, helps your body more than the occasional long night. More on this is in our article on optimising your sleep at university (in German).
Exercise gets the circulation going; even a short walk during lunch helps. Eat regularly and drink enough water throughout the day. Very sugary snacks make many people slump shortly afterwards, whereas wholegrain products, fruit or nuts keep you going for longer. Use caffeine sparingly, especially in the afternoon and evening, so that it does not disturb your sleep.
When is it not down to technique?
Sometimes concentration is lacking because motivation is lacking. Then it is worth reading our article on motivation at university (in German). Worries about money or exams can also occupy your mind. If concentration problems last for weeks and sleep problems or lasting exhaustion are added, speak to a doctor or use your university’s psychological counselling service. This article cannot replace a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
How can I concentrate better at university?
Keep your study space tidy, work in fixed blocks with breaks and put your phone out of sight. Set a concrete goal for each session and study actively, for example with summaries and practice exercises. Enough sleep and some exercise during the day also support this.
How long should you study in one go?
There is no fixed number. Many people start with blocks of about 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break, and adjust them. What matters is that you work on a single task during the work phase and use the break properly to recover, not for the next stimulus on a screen.
What helps against phone distractions?
Distance works best: phone in another room or in your bag. In addition, turn off notifications and schedule phone time for breaks. On a computer, website blockers can help if you catch yourself constantly opening something on the side.
How should I set up my study environment?
Clear the desk down to what you need, provide daylight or a good desk lamp, and air the room regularly. A fixed place that you use only for studying helps your mind switch over. For noise, earplugs or headphones help.
How to proceed now
- Tidy your study space today and put your phone in another room before you start.
- Write down a concrete goal for your next session on a piece of paper.
- Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on one task without interruption.
- Use the break to stand up, drink and air the room.
- Try the method for one week and adjust the block lengths to suit you.
Related
- Time management at university: methods for a productive routine (in German)
- Optimising sleep at university: why it matters so much (in German)
- The best study methods for students (in German)
- Benefits of student status (in German)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
