The start of a new school year means many things: paying more money for books than you ever thought possible, giving up Mom’s cooking for dining hall food, and trading in flip flops and swimsuits for the more practical boots and denim. Perhaps most important of all is that at the beginning of each semester, we explore campus in search of the best study spot. We want something cozy, quiet, and not too crowded. This, believe it or not, is pretty hard to come by. But don’t fear, because Her Campus Kenyon is here to help! Read on for the five study spots you should check out this semester . . . or not.
1. Old Kenyon’s bell tower
The Old Kenyon bell tower is an elusive spot. Though most Kenyon students know it exists, they have yet to discover where it resides. Don’t expect us to give away the secret; finding your way there is half of the fun. Just think of it as a well-deserved study break. Once you solve the mystery, you’ll be greeted with the prime study locale. The crushed Keystone Light cans, empty Papa John’s boxes, and shabby walls decorated with students’ names and Greek letters complete the ambience.
P.S. Bring a flashlight. The lighting’s a little dim.
2. Caples laundry room
The scene of the next Kenyon ghost story, the Caples laundry room is a rare place of quiet on campus. Accompanied solely by the whir of the washing and drying machines, a pleasant white noise soundtrack, you can study in peace here. Seating choices, however, are limited. You can perch atop a washer or dryer or resign yourself to the floor. One downside is that students actually doing their laundry may interrupt you. Be prepared for their disapproving glares.
3. Mather breezeway
Convenient for freshmen, the Mather breezeway provides another alternative study locale. Aptly named, the breezeway’s “breeziness” could become problematic if your papers start to blow away. Otherwise, it lends itself perfectly to the double task of relaxing in the great outdoors and studying. The roof even protects you from the unsavory elements, and we all know how rainy and snowy Ohio can get.
4. Any roof
Just imagine that rooftop view! Okay, to be fair, it would look nothing like this picture, but it would be beautiful all the same. Every building on campus has roof access, but navigating your way to the top can present a challenge. Kudos if you manage to find a secret stairwell or brave your phobia of heights and climb up with a ladder. If you do manage the nearly impossible feat, the administration will promptly tell you to get back down to the ground. But it’s worth the bragging rights, right?
5. The graveyard
Tucked between the Science Quad and Horvitz Hall lies Kenyon’s own quaint graveyard. Complete with all the graveyard staples (headstones and bone-chilling silence), the ambience is both austere and romantic. The creepy factor intensifies at night, so I suggest studying by candlelight. Maybe bring a study buddy so that it doesn’t get too scary.
We encourage you to be adventurous this semester and vary your study spots. You never know; it might just pay off!
Images:
http://aaronkatzeman.tumblr.com/image/86003122725
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http://galleries.kenyon.edu/galleries/tour/mather/mather11713856541.jpg
http://livenlovecestlavie.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/img_6602.jpg
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