Work is a real pain in the neck for London students

25 2007
While it may be tempting to work in bed or lounge around on the floor of your student accommodation surfing the internet, to do so may damage your health, scientists have revealed.

Research carried out by University College London on behalf of the Ergonomics Society found that 57 per cent of students in the capital have experienced some degree of aches and pains when using their laptops, with seven per cent having pain most of the time.

Neck and shoulder pains were the most common complaint, while wrist and back troubles were also mentioned by respondents.

According to the Ergonomic Society, this can be explained by the fact that 42 per cent of students use their laptops, appropriately enough, on their laps, 29 per cent work in bed and 13 per cent on the floor.

"University students use their laptops quite differently from school pupils - they want the portability and flexibility of a laptop, but they use them highly intensively in a complex and variable environment," concluded lead ergonomist Rachel Benedyk.

Aside from ensuring that a rental flat or house comes equipped with a good desk, students should also choose a computer with a large screen and take regular breaks from their work, the researchers advised.
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