How to Romanticize Studying in College
As a college student, I know how hard it is to motivate yourself to study. Most of the time it’s late night cramming, energy drinks, and an overwhelming task list, when we'd rather be doing anything else. But what if there was a way to learn how to romanticize studying?
However, with the right mindset and environment, you can actually make studying something you look forward to. Think cozy lighting, your favorite matcha latte, a chill playlist, and a space that feels like your own little world.
Here’s how to romanticize studying in college so you can stay productive and enjoy the process.
1. Start With a Cute Drink
Every romanticized study session starts with an aesthetic drink. It sets the tone.
Whether it’s your almond milk latte or a creamy matcha made with cold foam and honey, having a drink you love can make studying feel like a small act of self care instead of a chore. Working on homework doesn't have to be torture— reward yourself with a yummy drink to sip on throughout the process, it makes all the difference!
Try one of our Made4Matcha drink recipes for a focus-boosting, energizing drink that’s equal parts aesthetic and practical. (link to another Made4Matcha blog post)
2. Create Your Aesthetic Study Space
Your environment has a huge impact on how you feel while studying. The goal is to make your space so cozy and aesthetically pleasing that you want to sit down and get work done.
Start with the basics:
Clean off your desk
Get rid of any excess clutter
Disinfect the surface with a wipe
Add warm, ambient lighting
Fairy lights or a small lamp will work wonders
Keep a candle nearby for a calming scent
Try a cinnamon roll scent for this fall season!
Add a little decor that sparks joy
Plants, prints, photos of loved ones
A small detail like a Made4Matcha coaster or a Made4Matcha cup (product links) to go with your cute drink instantly adds a unique, aesthetic touch to your study setup. Plus, having a designated study space can mentally cue you that it’s time to focus.
Your aesthetic study space should be inviting, not overwhelming.
For a more detailed read on how you can perfect your desk space, check out our blog post on How to Curate the Perfect Cozy Study Setup (include link).
3. Pick the Perfect Background Noise
Silence can feel too intense, but too much noise can be distracting. The sweet spot is ambient sound or calm cafe jazz, just something that fills the room without demanding your attention.
Here are some go-tos for cozy study vibes:
Lo-fi hip-hop, ambient playlists, or study jazz on Spotify or YouTube
Instrumental soundtracks (think Pride & Prejudice or Tchaikovsky)
Early Gilmore Girls episodes: nothing like season 1 Rory Gilmore energy to get you in your academic era
“Study With Me” YouTube videos: there are hours-long videos where people literally film themselves studying. Watching someone else focus can surprisingly help you stay on track too.
If you struggle to stay focused, try using noise-cancelling headphones (When I use my Sony WHMX4000s I swear I lock in every time). Maybe one day, we’ll drop a Made 4 Matcha sprout headphone accessory to complete the look.
4. Take Things Step by Step
We’ve all been there, just staring at an endless to-do list and instantly wanting to take a nap. The secret to staying calm and focused is breaking things down.
Don’t think about the whole exam, essay, or project at once. Instead:
Make a realistic plan for what you can actually finish in one sitting.
Focus on one small task at a time.
Celebrate small progress instead of stressing about the big picture.
The biggest hack? Start early.
When you give yourself enough time, studying feels like something you choose to do, not something you’re forced to rush through. You’ll enjoy it more, retain more information, and actually feel proud of your work at the end.
5. Romanticize Accountability
Studying alone is great, but studying with a friend can keep you motivated, especially if you tend to get distracted (hi, me).
My friend and I have a system for our study sessions: every 20–30 minutes, we stop and share what we worked on. We show each other our progress, talk through what we learned, and then get back to it. It keeps us on track and makes the whole process more social and fun.
Try it with your study buddy: set a timer, make your favorite drinks, and check in every half hour or so. It’s the perfect mix of productivity and connection.
6. Whatever You Do – Do NOT Study in Bed
Yes, your bed is cozy and probably the best place on Earth, but it’s a trap.
Once you sit in bed to study, it’s only a matter of time before you’re scrolling TikTok or drifting off mid-reading. Keep your bed for resting and your desk (or designated study spot) for working.
It’s all about separating spaces so your brain knows what to do when you sit down. If you can, pick a spot with good lighting and a flat surface, and keep that area clean. The more intentional your setup, the easier it’ll be to focus.
7. Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To
Studying doesn’t have to be an endless grind. Reward yourself when you finish a session.
Maybe it’s your favorite snack, a quick break for a walk around campus, or a new Matcha drink recipe (link to Made4Matcha drink recipe idea blog post) you’ve been wanting to try. Having a reward waiting at the end makes it easier to push through — and keeps studying from feeling like punishment.
Even small things count. A little dopamine boost goes a long way in keeping you motivated.
8. Keep It Cozy, Keep It You
The best way to romanticize studying in college is to make it feel like you.
It’s not about forcing yourself into a certain aesthetic, it’s about creating a study ritual that feels calm, cozy, and motivating to you.
Your matcha, your candle, your playlist, your vibe. When you make the process enjoyable, studying stops being something you “have to” do and starts being something that helps you feel grounded, productive, and proud of yourself.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to romanticize studying doesn’t mean you’ll suddenly love every assignment. It’s about shifting your perspective and creating a space that supports your focus and creativity.
So next time you have a study session coming up, make yourself a warm drink, light that candle, put on some Gilmore Girls, and open your notebook. You’re not just studying, you’re building a moment to better yourself.
A little matcha, a little music, and a lot of main-character energy can go a long way.
