During the current times, it has become even harder to stay away from distractions. While attending classes on our mobile phones or laptops, we can easily get distracted. To stay productive and to focus better on academics and gaining knowledge, sometimes external factors and the environment we create around us can play a huge role. When scrolling through Pinterest for inspiration, one can come across dark academia easily because it is gaining popularity these days. Here is an introduction to this amazing aesthetic.

What Is Dark Academia? 

As per the dictionary, dark academia is an aesthetic centered on higher education, writing, the arts, and classic Greek and Gothic architecture, as well as romantic longing and death. But this might sound a bit intense for beginners. 

In simpler words, as an aesthetic, dark academia revolves around the principles of classic literature, a hunger for knowledge and academics. It is closely related to old universities like Oxford and Cambridge. It simply involves working tirelessly, all day long on academic projects, reading or writing under subtle candlelight at night, and staining our fingertips with ink. 

Some Disclaimers 

Just like any other concept, dark academia is also not spared from criticism and some downsides associated with it. It is important to understand these before we dive into how one can incorporate its elements in daily life.

1. Since it involves working and studying tirelessly and all day long, some people criticize it for promoting unhealthy work/study habits. We all know how important it is to take breaks while doing anything. So, this can be resolved by taking meaningful breaks. Avoid going on your phone during the break and instead, do some chores or just take a short walk.

2. Since it is closely related to old universities like Oxford and Cambridge, which are located in the UK, some people argue that it is very much focused on the ‘white’ people. In fact, while looking up on Pinterest, one can find images of white people. 

But the key here is to understand that it is also about gaining knowledge and working as per the best of our abilities. It is about being absorbed in our work and to be desperate to get it done. The aesthetic is all about creating a serene environment to work in. Also, stereotypes can also be broken down. 

3. For some people, working under candlelight might not be possible. For others, their work might involve a continuous use of a phone or laptop. This might become a problem for some of us.

But the idea is to incorporate the parts of it that are possible for us to put together. If working under candlelight is not possible, working with dim and yellow lights is equally calming. Scented candles or essential oils are also great to keep us calm and working for prolonged periods without feeling tired or drained out. 

These were some of the criticisms and downfalls related to dark academia. Now that we’ve understood these, it is time to dive into various elements. 

1. Activities 

The major activities include writing notes by hand. This is a huge part of the entire aesthetic. You can write your notes in different colors, use fountain pens, use notebooks with slightly yellow pages. All these just scream old-schools and classic literature. 

Apart from that, you can find some time to read and understand the true meaning of classic literary works. But this is very much optional because not everyone is interested in literature. But if you have a thing for reading, it might feel like heaven on earth. You can also write letters to friends who live far away.

2. Reading 

Reading pretty much falls under the activities section but it has a lot to it. So, here it is being put as a separate component. 

Dark Academia involves a lot of reading. If you can find some old copies, nothing can beat that. Understanding classic literature, slipping back in time, and using the references in your life and with others who understand is a whole different vibe. It is heartwarming to an extent that is difficult to describe in words. 

If you have a hard time developing a reading habit, check out this amazing article on some tips to develop a reading habit  

3. Workspace Set Up 

This aesthetic is all about keeping things the classic way. Candlesticks, scented candles, feather quills, ink pots,  wax seals, etc. are a great way to set up an aesthetic study space that you never wanna leave. If possible, set it all up near a window. You can always look up on Pinterest for inspiration. 

You can also stack up some lovely antique-looking notebooks and your favorite books on the desk. The books can help a lot in terms of inspiration and creating this urge to study and work harder. You can also put up some inspiring pictures, newspaper cuttings, etc. to create a mood board that looks very inviting. 

But obviously, all of this might not be possible for some of us to put together. So, you can make it flexible and according to what is easily accessible to you. The basic idea is to create a cozy space that calls you to work and study. 

4. Book Recommendations 

Following are some amazing books recommended by StudyTuber Ruby Granger whose YouTube channel is like the ultimate source of inspiration for dark academia and studies in general. 

  1. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling 
  2. Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris
  3. Villette by Charlotte Bronte
  4. The Ocean At The End Of The Lane by Neil Gaiman
  5. Death In Venice by Thomas Mann 
  6. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
  7. The Sherlock Holmes Series by Arthur Conan Doyle 
  8. The Northern Lights Trilogy by Philip Pullman 
  9. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  10. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer 

Conclusion 

The aesthetic revolves around creating an external environment that inspires you to study. Apart from the external factors, the inside factors really play a huge role here. Dark Academia has it covered as well. Through the books, it aims at stirring up the insides to create intrinsic motivation and inspiration to study and gain knowledge. 

If you are looking for some other inspiration, here is an incredible video on dark academia by Ruby Granger which also includes some music recommendations and outfit ideas as well.


Written By - Neha Kundu

Edited By -  Kashish Chadha