Decluttering Your Digital Life: Tips for a More Organised and Productive SQE Study Environment

Preparing for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) can be overwhelming, with the vast amount of material to cover, staying organised and productive can be a challenge. If you’re juggling textbooks, case law, practice questions, and a myriad of digital resources, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But what if I told you that decluttering your digital life could make your study environment more manageable and boost your productivity?

In this post, I’m going to share some practical tips on how to create a more organised and productive digital space, helping you stay on track with your SQE preparation.

Why Declutter Your Digital Life?

Before we dive into the how-to, let's talk about why decluttering your digital space is so important. A cluttered digital environment can be just as distracting and stressful as a cluttered physical space. When your files are scattered across different folders, apps, and devices, it’s easy to lose track of important notes, miss deadlines, or waste time searching for study materials. By decluttering and organising your digital life, you create a streamlined, focused study environment that allows you to concentrate on what really matters—acing the SQE.

Organise Your Computer Folders for SQE Success

One of the first steps to decluttering your digital life is organising your computer folders. Imagine having a well-structured digital filing system where every piece of study material is exactly where you expect it to be. This can save you countless hours and reduce stress when you’re trying to find that one mind map or lecture note.

1.1 Create a Master Folder

Start by creating a master folder for your SQE1 and SQE2 preparation. Within these master folders, create subfolders for each major area of study:

• Practice Areas: Separate folders for each practice area covered in SQE1 and SQE2.

• Black Letter Law: Create additional subfolders within the SQE1 and SQE2 folders separating each black letter law area.

• Lectures and Seminars: Organise your lecture notes, seminar handouts, and any additional resources into separate folders for easy access.

1.2 Get Specific with Subfolders

Within each main folder, get even more specific. For instance, under "Contract Law," you could have folders for "Textbook Chapters," "Lecture Notes," "Practice Questions," and "Case Summaries." This level of organisation ensures that you can quickly find the materials you need without sifting through unrelated documents.

Use Notion to Centralise Your Notes and Study Materials

One of the most effective ways to declutter your digital life is by centralising your study materials. Instead of juggling multiple apps, documents, and platforms, why not keep everything in one place? This is where Notion comes in.

2.1 Why Notion Helps

Notion is a powerful tool that allows you to create a customised digital workspace tailored to your study needs. By transferring all your notes, study plans, and revision materials into Notion, you eliminate the clutter of switching between different apps and documents. Everything you need is in one place, easily accessible from any device. Plus, you can organise your content with databases, checklists, and tags, making it easy to keep track of your progress.

Tip: If you’re new to Notion, sign up for FREE here. And if you’re looking for inspiration or ready-made setups, check out our pre-made Notion templates for SQE1 and SQE2 preparation.

2.2 How to Set Up Notion for SQE Prep

• Create Dedicated Sections: Start by creating a workspace for your SQE preparation. Within this workspace, set up dedicated pages for each subject, with sub-pages for key topics, case summaries, and practice questions.

• Use Databases: Organise your study schedule, revision questions, and to-do lists using Notion’s database feature. This allows you to track your progress and ensure that you’re covering all the necessary material.

• Sync Across Devices: Notion’s cloud-based platform means you can access your notes from anywhere—whether you’re studying at home, in the library, or on the go.

Time Management: Using Timer Apps for Focused Study Sessions

Staying productive during study sessions is all about focus. One effective method to boost your productivity is the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in short, focused bursts with regular breaks. There are several apps that can help you implement this technique, but one of my favourites is the Forest app.

3.1 The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique breaks your work into 25-minute intervals, followed by a 5-minute break. After four intervals, you take a longer break. This method helps maintain focus and prevents burnout during long study sessions.

3.2 Forest App

The Forest app is a fun way to stay disciplined. When you start a timer, you plant a virtual tree that grows as you focus. If you leave the app, the tree dies, which encourages you to stay on task. Over time, you can grow an entire forest, which serves as a visual representation of your hard work. Plus, the app allows you to block other distracting apps on your phone, helping you stay focused.

Tip: Consider using Forest or a similar app during your study sessions to maintain focus and stay disciplined. It’s a small change that can lead to big improvements in your productivity.

Curate a Study Playlist to Boost Focus

Music can be a powerful tool for enhancing concentration, but it can also be a distraction if you’re constantly searching for the right song. I’ve found that having a dedicated study playlist can help you get into the zone without the distraction of picking new music.

4.1 Creating a Study Playlist

Choose music that is instrumental or has minimal lyrics, as words can be distracting while reading or writing. Genres like classical, lo-fi hip-hop, or ambient music are great for maintaining focus. I personally love piano instrumentals—they’re soothing and help me stay calm and focused during intense study sessions.

Personal Tip: If you’re interested in a curated study playlist, let me know—I’d be happy to share my go-to tracks for staying productive during study sessions.

Limit Social Media and Notifications

We all know how easy it is to get sucked into social media. One minute you’re checking a notification, and the next thing you know, an hour (or two) has passed. This can seriously derail your study plans. To prevent this, consider limiting your time on social media apps using built-in tools on your phone or computer.

5.1 Set Time Limits on Social Media

Most smartphones have built-in features that allow you to set daily time limits for specific apps. Use these features to restrict your access to social media during study hours. When the time limit is reached, the app will lock, helping you avoid the temptation to keep scrolling.

5.2 Use “Do Not Disturb” Mode

Another simple but effective tool is the “Do Not Disturb” mode on your phone. When enabled, this mode silences all notifications, calls, and messages, allowing you to focus without interruption. You can customise this mode to allow certain contacts or notifications if needed, but I recommend keeping it as strict as possible during study sessions.

Declutter for Success

Decluttering your digital life isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about creating a study environment that supports your goals and maximises your productivity. By organising your computer folders, centralising your notes in Notion, managing your time with apps like Forest, and limiting distractions from social media, you can create a streamlined, focused space that helps you succeed in your SQE preparation.

Remember, staying organised and productive is key to passing the SQE and advancing your legal career. If you’re ready to take your study organisation to the next level, sign up for Notion here and explore our Legal Blueprint Notion templates designed specifically for SQE students and legal professionals.

Good luck with your studies, and happy organising!