If you’re feeling uninspired to study, creating the right study ambiance can transform your study experience. In this article, I’ll be covering aesthetic study websites from 3 categories:
- Websites with timers (and other features) to help you stay on task
- Ambiance websites that will transport you to a cozy cafe, a picturesque cottage, or another aesthetic environment of your choice
- Aesthetic note-taking websites to help you take organized and colorful digital notes
Combining aesthetic study websites with these tips on how to romanticize studying can turn a mundane study session into an immersive and fun experience. So without further ado, let’s jump in!
Aesthetic Study Timer Websites
Whether you enjoy using the Pomodoro study method or like having a timer to track your work sessions, the following aesthetic study websites are good options.
Pomofocus
Pomofocus is the simplest of the aesthetic study timer websites on this list. Nevertheless, if you enjoy using the Pomodoro method, it provides all the features you need. Simply list the tasks you want to complete, set the number of Pomodoro sessions for each task, and start the timer.
To customize your experience further, you can adjust the length of each Pomodoro work session and break, and even track stats related to your Pomodoro sessions. I recommend setting up an account if you want to view stats.
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Studywithme.io
Studywithme.iois a simple Pomodoro timer created by Gridfiti. As with Pomofocus, you can adjust the length of your Pomodoro work sessions and breaks.
It also has the additional features of changing the background (you can see the “Rainy Paris” background below) and playing Lofi music. However, you cannot track stats or set up a to-do list.
Wonderspace
Wonderspace is another customizable Pomodoro timer. You can set a custom background, add rain or snow, set a Pomodoro timer (although the duration isn’t adjustable), add your own Spotify playlist, and set up a to-do list (you need an account for this).
Focus
Focus is one of my favorite productivity tools. I have the Forest app installed on my phone and the Forest Chrome extension installed on my desktop device, both of which are super easy to set up.
The premise of the app is simple. You set a timer, and during that time, a virtual tree will grow. If you’re using the Focus app on your phone, and you access your phone during that time, your tree will die.
If you’re using the Focus Chrome extension, you can either block all websites except a select few (in Allowlist mode) OR block a few selected websites and be able to access everything else (in Blocklist mode).
Noisli
Noisli allows you to play various combos of ambiance sounds to help you focus. You can save your favorite combos so you don’t have to reset the sound combinations every time.
Also, you can set a work timer at the top. However, if you want to work in sessions or track stats, you will need to upgrade to the Pro plan.
Apart from that, Noisli comes with a distraction-free text editor feature, where you can jot down notes. It’s a good place to put your to-do list or even draft a paper. The background cycles through different colors, which I find to be quite relaxing.
Virtual Cottage
Virtual Cottage isn’t exactly a website—it’s a desktop app, but it’s super easy to set up. You just have to download the version of the app that’s compatible with your desktop device and follow the instructions on the web page to open the application.
Once you do so, enter the activity you’re working on, adjust the time duration, and check whether or not you want the timer to sound.
You can then shuffle the music that plays and select whether you want wind, rain, snow, or fire. You can even fill in a to-do list (although the maximum amount of tasks is 3).
To avoid browsing the Internet, set the Virtual Cottage to full screen. As the day progresses, you’ll find that the lighting changes to reflect the time of day!
Life At
Lifeat.io allows you to choose from a variety of study spaces. You can play music and set a Pomodoro timer. You can also choose from several additional widgets (like a to-do list) and move these widgets around.
Lofi Cafe
Lofi Cafe is one of my favorite aesthetic study websites because you can change the music to different Lofi playlists, accompanied by an aesthetic background. It also comes with a Pomodoro timer (unfortunately, you can’t adjust the time duration).
Aesthetic Study Vibes
Sometimes, you don’t need a timer—you just need a website that provides an aesthetic and immersive study experience. Whether you wish you were studying at a coffee shop or working with a study buddy, these aesthetic study websites can help you out.
I Miss My Cafe
If you wish you were studying at a cafe with the sound of clinking cups, low buzz of conversation, and classic coffee shop music, I Miss My Cafe is the perfect study ambiance website.
It also comes with a Pomodoro timer, but I chose to put it in this section because it was mainly created for the immersive cafe experience.
I Miss My Library
If you wish you were studying at a library, surrounded by the rustling of pages, soft clatter of keyboard typing, and the hushed din of rainfall, I Miss My Library will take you there. You can even set up a to-do list and mark the tasks you’ve completed.
I Miss The Office
If you like being surrounded by the hubbub of people chewing gum, pouring water, walking down a hallway, etc., then you may enjoy I Miss The Office. You can adjust the number of “colleagues” in the office, depending on the amount of commotion you want.
Personally, I don’t like working in a noisy environment, but if you find the sound of being surrounded by people comforting, you may like this website.
I Miss My Bar
I Miss My Bar will transport you to a bar, complete with the sound of shaking ice, people talking, and nighttime ambiance. It doesn’t have additional features, but it still provides a nice immersive experience.
Study With Me YouTube Videos
Finally, you can go on YouTube and study alongside study with me vlogs. Simply type in “study with me” in the search bar, and you’ll find a ton of results.
There’s even an official Study With BTS (for you BTS fans out there). Here’s another calming 2.5-hour study with me video:
Aesthetic Study Notes
In this final category, I’ll be covering aesthetic study websites for note-taking. If you enjoy taking digital notes, you should check these websites out.
Notion
Notion is an all-in-workspace that I use as a student planner app and aesthetic note-taking app. It’s super versatile and makes it easy to take and organize notes.
Here are some of the most useful features of Notion:
You can set up databases in Notion to organize your notes.
Each note is a new entry in the database, and you can set up properties for the database entries. As you can see, I’ve set up the properties “Topics,” “Date,” and “Course” and filtered the Notes database to only display entries associated with biology.
You can set up note-taking templates in Notion.
If you like to follow a specific format every time you take notes, you can set up the template once, then implement the template with one click each time after.
You can hide information under toggles in Notion.
This is one of the best features of Notion because it makes studying with active recall super easy. Active recall is one of the most effective study methods because it involves pulling information from your head, rather than relying on external sources (like your notes or textbook). With Notion, you read the toggle label first before opening the information hidden inside.
To learn more about taking effective toggle notes in Notion, check out this post on the sentence method of note-taking.
You can easily resurface notes.
Do you ever feel like you take notes, then can never find them again? With Notion, you never have to worry about searching for misplaced notes. To find a past note, just search for a keyword in the database.
To learn more about how to take and organize notes in Notion, check out this post.
Canva
Canva is a graphic design website that can be used to do the mind mapping method of note-taking. Mind mapping involves writing down a central idea, then branching out with interconnected topics, subtopics, and supporting details and examples.
It’s a fantastic supplement for traditional note-taking methods because it helps you visualize the overarching connections between otherwise disparate concepts.
FAQ
How do you create an aesthetic study environment?
You should personalize your study space according to your preferences, but here are some general guidelines:
- Choose a dedicated study area where you can focus without distractions. Our brains form subconscious associations between physical locations and actions, so it’s best to have one area designated for work and studying only.
- Declutter and organize your study space to promote calmness and clarity. If you’re not sure how to keep your study space clean and organized, check out this list of student desk essentials to maximize storage in a small space.
- Personalize your space with decor. Add elements that inspire you, such as motivational quotes, artwork, or plants, to create a positive and motivating atmosphere.
- Experiment with different lighting options, such as natural light or warm desk lamps, to create a cozy and inviting ambiance.
- Use color psychology! I find that this is an underrated but super impactful tip. Incorporating blues, greens, and neutrals can evoke a sense of focus and tranquility in your study area.
- Optimize comfort by investing in a comfortable chair, ergonomic desk setup, and proper lighting.
For more tips on making your study space cozy, check out this post on how to romanticize studying.
What is a virtual study space?
A virtual study space is an online platform that enables you to study in a virtual room with others. You can actually study with other people on Life At by sending out an invite link (however, you need to upgrade to the Pro plan).
For other options, check out this list of websites where you can find online study groups.
Do study with me videos actually help?
I mentioned in this post that study with me videos are a good resource to use. Although the effectiveness does vary from person to person, here are some ways in which study with me videos can be helpful:
- Accountability and motivation: You may feel a stronger sense of accountability because you’re studying alongside someone else. This can motivate you to stay focused and avoid distractions.
- Less isolation: Studying alone for long periods can sometimes feel lonely. Study with me videos may help you feel like you have a virtual study buddy, making the studying experience less boring.
- Structure and routine: If you struggle with time management, study with me videos can help you follow a more structured study routine, as many videos provide a framework for work sessions and breaks.
Overview of Aesthetic Study Websites
Here’s a quick recap of all 15 aesthetic study websites covered in this post:
If you need a study timer, check out these sites:
- Pomofocus (minimalist Pomodoro timer with a to-do list and stats tracker)
- Studywithme.io (timer with customizable background)
- Wonderspace (timer with customizable background)
- Focus (timer with virtual trees to keep you on task)
- Noisli (timer with ambiance sounds and a distraction-free text editor)
- Virtual Cottage (timer with a dynamic cottage setting and to-do list)
- Lifeat.io (timer with customizable background and useful widgets)
- Lofi Cafe (timer with different Lofi music playlists and backgrounds)
If you’re looking for an immersive study experience, check out these sites:
- I Miss My Cafe (includes a timer)
- I Miss My Library (includes a to-do list)
- I Miss My Bar
- I Miss The Office
- Study With Me YouTube videos
If you’re looking for a website to take aesthetic digital notes, check out:
For more posts on studying and productivity, check out:
- 57 Inspirational Exam Quotes to Crush Your Tests (+Wallpapers)
- How to Use the Forest App for Studying
- 7-Day Dopamine Detox for Studying—Skyrocket Your Focus Now!
- Best All-in-One Aesthetic Planner App for Students
- 11 Ways to Stop Getting Distracted by YouTube While Studying
- 7 Secret Tips For Studying That Will Transform How You Study
Which of these websites will you be using for your next study session? Let me know in the comments below!
