Seven Best Studying Spots at W&M

During finals last year, I experimented with various places around campus in the hopes of finding THE perfect study spot.  William and Mary is great because you can find students studying almost anywhere, in places thatthey feel most comfortable in. The following list is based off my personal experiences and observations– each spot has its pros and cons. First disclaimer: Everyone studies differently, and what may provide the perfect amount of peace and quiet for someone may be too isolated for someone else.  Second disclaimer: As much as this list may make it seem like all I do is study, I promise I do have a thriving social life outside of schoolwork.

1. Swem 2^nd floor general area
This is a very social place. I probably spent the most time here, and it’s great if you aren’t pressed for time on a project and don’t mind people constantly coming up to chat. You’ll get some dirty looks if you are talking too loud, but for the most part, this is one of the most popular places to study on campus.
 
2. Swem 2^nd floor study rooms
Don’t go into a study room with a bunch of friends unless you have all sworn a blood oath not to distract each other. Since people can’t see your computer screen, you can go on Facebook and StumbleUpon for as long as you want without a guilt-trip. A study room is good because Swem’s social butterflies won’t distract you. Also– Signs say that a single person in a study room must give their study room to a group if a group needs it. I have never seen this happen. Most people just throw their stuff around the table so it looks like the other members of their group have just stepped out for coffee.
 
3. The Terrace
Do people do “real” studying here? I always see people with books and papers sitting at tables on the terrace outside of the Sadler Center, but I can’t imagine they get anything done. People walking to and from classes will stop to chat with you, pollen will get in your computer keys, and you will face the constant temptation of delicious coffee at the Daily Grind across the way. So why do people go here? It’s outside, and you can enjoy the gorgeous weather.

4. Jones Hall
The little-known math building, this was my go-to study space during finals. Jones also houses the tech support center and has a bunch of classrooms with desks and whiteboards galore. Because the building is older, very few people go here – but if you live in Dupont, Botetourt, or Tazewell, it’s the perfect nearby building to study in. Also, Jones has a vending machine room and a 24/7 printing lab. My favorite place is the “Math Lounge”, a cute little room on the first floor with bookshelves of math books and inspiring math posters on the walls.
 
5. Swem 3^rd floor
Not as scary as people make it out to be! I imagined it as a freezing, barren wasteland of metal desks and students who looked like they belonged in the gulag more than the library. It actually looks just like the second floor. This is awesome if you don’t want to be distracted, butnot awesome if you wear jewelry that clinks together and don’t want people glaring as if Godzilla is stomping out their precious silence. I feel obligated to work hard up here because you really don’t have any other option. They also have study rooms here where you can have good group discussions and exam cram sessions.
 
6. Barnes & Nobles
The campus bookstore in CW is a nice place to study if you are up near the Starbucks café area.  It’s reasonably quiet and you can get away from the oftentimes stressful, “twampy” vibes floating around Swem and the academic buildings. If you have to do a lot of reading, this may be the perfect place to go. On nice days, you can even sit outside. Plus, this place is perfect if you have a few hours to kill between classes on Old Campus and don’t want to go back to your dorm.
 
7. The six academic buildings on the Sunken Gardens
The upside: tons of space, and since you actually attend class in these buildings, you might be more resolved to actually study. There are tons of classrooms, but be careful, because classes may kick you out unexpectedly as soon as you settle in. These classrooms are usually rather empty in the evenings [except for during finals]. The downside: fewer food options for when you get those late-night cravings.