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University study can be exciting, creative, and full of new opportunities—but it can also be noisy, bright, and unpredictable. For neurodivergent students, these factors can make learning more demanding than it needs to be.
At Barossa Regional University Campus (BRUC), we recognise that everyone’s brain works differently, and that study spaces should adapt to you—not the other way around. Whether you live with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, anxiety, or other forms of neurodivergence, small adjustments to your study environment can make a big difference.
This post outlines some practical strategies and highlights the spaces and supports available on campus to help you study your way.
Designing Your Own Study Environment
There’s no single way to focus. Some students need background noise; others need quiet. Some find bright light stimulating; others find it overwhelming. That’s why BRUC offers a range of study spaces and tools designed for flexibility and comfort.
Private Rooms for Concentration or Calm
If you need privacy or reduced sensory input, private study rooms can be booked for individual use or small group work. These rooms provide a quiet, low-distraction environment that many students find helpful for sustained focus.
You can reserve them for:
- Exam preparation or long reading sessions
- Online classes or recorded lectures
- Breaks from the shared workspace if you need downtime
Booking is simple—check our website, or ask staff for help.
The Studio Pod: Small, Adjustable, and Quiet
The studio pod is ideal for one or two people who need a bit more control over their environment. It’s the most sound-insulated space on campus (though not fully soundproof) and offers customisable lighting so you can dim or adjust brightness to your preference.
It’s a great option if you’re sensitive to sound, light, or visual movement—or if you simply need a space where you can think without interruption. Many students use it for online meetings, focused writing, or regrouping between classes.
Lighting and Distraction Adjustments
If you have an access plan or personal preference for specific environmental settings—like reduced overhead lighting or screens to limit visual distractions—please let us know. These adjustments are simple for us to make and can have a big impact on your comfort and concentration.
You don’t need formal documentation to request changes; we’re happy to discuss what works best for you. BRUC’s team can work with you to trial different setups until you find the right fit.
A Variety of Seating and Work Options
Your best work might happen on a couch, at a high bench, or standing at a desk—it depends on the day and your sensory needs.
Across campus you’ll find:
- Standard tables for group work or spread-out materials
- Sit-stand desks for movement and posture variation
- Couches and soft seating for reading or low-stimulation breaks
Experiment with different setups throughout the week. Moving between spaces can help maintain focus, prevent fatigue, and give your brain a chance to reset.
Practical Strategies for Study Focus
Finding the right space is part of the equation. The rest is about working with your natural rhythms and sensory preferences. Here are a few evidence-based strategies that many neurodivergent students find effective.
1. Work in Time Blocks
Try the Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. You can adjust the timing to suit your energy levels. Setting a visible timer can help anchor your attention and make progress tangible.
2. Minimise Multitasking
It can feel productive to have several tabs open, but task-switching drains focus. Choose one main task and keep other projects out of sight until it’s finished.
If you’re easily distracted by notifications, try using your phone’s “focus mode” or browser extensions that block social media while studying.
3. Use Assistive Tools and AI Wisely
Tools like Grammarly, Microsoft’s Co-Pilot, or text-to-speech software can reduce cognitive load by automating repetitive tasks or providing structure. Just remember: these are supports, not substitutes. The aim is to make studying smoother, not to take over your thinking.
4. Build in Recovery Time
Sensory or cognitive fatigue is real. Schedule short breaks to stretch, walk, or listen to music. The goal isn’t to push through exhaustion, but to sustain focus over time. Using private rooms or the studio pod for short rest intervals can be restorative.
5. Check in with Support Staff
If you’re unsure what accommodations or adjustments might help, reach out. The BRUC team can help you find strategies that work for your study style—whether that’s rearranging a workspace, setting up extra screens, or connecting you with university disability support services.
Creating a Campus Culture of Comfort
Neurodivergence is part of the diversity that makes our campus community strong. When we talk openly about focus, comfort, and sensory needs, we normalise what many students experience but rarely discuss.
At BRUC, our aim is not to make everyone study the same way—but to give everyone the tools, spaces, and permission to study differently. That means flexibility, choice, and a willingness to adapt.
You might prefer the quiet of the studio pod one day, and the gentle buzz of the main workspace the next. Both are valid. What matters most is learning to recognise what your brain needs in the moment—and knowing that you’re supported in asking for it.
Studying successfully isn’t about fitting into one model of focus. It’s about discovering how you learn best, and giving yourself permission to design a space that supports that process.
Whether that means booking a private room, adjusting the lighting, or claiming a couch for the afternoon, your comfort and concentration matter.
If you’d like to explore adjustments or book a space, talk to the BRUC team—we’re here to help you create the environment that helps your learning thrive.
