Virtual Study Lounge
We’re opening up a digital space for those who need a little "creative company" to get things done. Whether you’re sketching, editing, or finally tackling that project proposal or essay, productivity is always better in parallel. Join us for a regular curated body doubling session on Google Meet - a dedicated space for OCA students to beat procrastination and focus on the task at hand without the isolation of working solo.
So what is "Body Doubling"?
Body doubling is a simple productivity strategy where you work alongside another person (even virtually) to improve focus. Having a "partner in progress" creates a sense of shared accountability that makes it much easier to start and stay on task. It’s the digital equivalent of a quiet corner in a library or a busy coffee shop.
How the sessions will work:
Cameras On (Encouraged): Seeing others work helps keep your brain in "studio mode."
Mics Off: We keep it quiet to protect everyone’s flow.
Optional Soundtrack: Feel free to play or listen to your own music as you work but please do keep yourself on mute.
Zero Pressure: No forced small talk. Just a shared grid of creators getting things done.
Join the Session:
When: Mondays 11am - 12.30pm UK time but the link will remain open for students to join and work together in companionable silence at any time.
Who: For all students across OCA, studying any discipline.
Where: Google Meet
Bring: Whatever you’re currently working on.
Session Structure
Session opens: 11am
Host shares Welcome/Intro Slides/Share goals (10mins): 11am - 11:10am
Start silent working block (35mins): 11:10am - 12.25pm
Share achievements/Any Other Business/ - 12.25pm - 12.30pm
Note: Students are welcome to break at any time when they need to. Although the official session ends at 12.30pm the room will remain open for you to stay and study along. We do encourage you to step away from your screen and to stay hydrated at regular intervals.
OCA students Ashley Mclaughlin and Andi Follett have already been meeting peers online to study along, here they tell us what works well about joining in…
Ashley: “One of the hardest things about studying online is the lack of community and finding the motivation to study. I am a world class procrastinator and I have found it really helpful to have accountability buddies, where we share our goals for the week and study together online. It keeps me in my seat and means I get to share the journey with other students, rather than feeling like I am in this alone. I have made friends with my peers and we help encourage each other when we are feeling unmotivated or are stressed and up against tight deadlines. We have become a support group and cheerleaders for each other and I no longer feel alone. OCA can be a lonely place to study if we don’t make connections with our peers, so I hope these sessions help you as much as they have helped me.”
Andi: “Knowing someone is out there in study-land who is experiencing the same motivation, procrastination or creative blocks is invaluable. Jump-starting your next block of work, whether it’s an all-day study session or a quick half hour pop-in can make the difference between starting something and not. Questions, feedback, a friendly face or just the silence of someone else working alongside you is exactly where the OCA wants to be with their student community. This is the perfect, easy-going and no pressure environment for anyone studying in the OCA, international and inclusive. If you happen to be the first one in the room that day you just share the link and others can join up when they are ready to go. Perfect for our international students too as time zones lose borders. Some of the best inspiration comes from a moment with someone else so definitely get involved.”
If you would be interested in helping host the regular Monday session please email studyevents@oca.ac.uk but we welcome students to use the Virtual Study Lounge link and host sessions as and when they would like to. The first official session will be 28 September 2026 11am UK time.
This sounds fantastic - just what I need.
I used to regularly attend a similar event in my previous workplace called Shut Up and Write. I prefer the name of yours.