I love O’Neill Library just as much as my fellow BC Eagle, but after four consecutive years of late study nights, group project meetings, and long lines for printing, sometimes it is time for a change. O’Neill will always be my first love and my go-to, but once in a while, it’s good to mix up your study environment. So whether you prefer your study space to be quiet or loud, busy or isolated, or if you even like to snack while you work—here’s some alternative study spaces at BC for every preference:
1) Social Work Library
Located on the lower ground floor of McGuinn Hall, the Social Work Library is a great, quiet option. It has collaborative spaces for group projects, study carrels, computer pods, group study rooms, and open study spaces that are perfect for any of your studying needs. I highly recommend checking it out!
2) Hillside
For those who prefer a little louder and busier working environment, Hillside is great place to sit, enjoy lunch, and get your work done all at once. Beware: Hillside is also known for great people watching which can be very distracting! With the choice of working at high tables by the windows, the counter near the coffee area, or individual tables, Hillside is a great study option.
3) Chocolate Bar
The Chocolate Bar, located in Stokes Hall, is also a perfect location for studying and coffee. It’s one of my personal favorite places on campus to sit down, get my reading done, and enjoy a delicious treat. Plus you get to admire beautiful Stokes as you work — does it get any better than that?!
4) Theology and Ministry Library
Located on Brighton Campus, The Theology and Ministry Library is one of BC’s hidden gems in terms of study spots. The library has collaborative study spaces, reservable group study spaces, and large tables and comfy chairs for individual work. This is a great place to go during finals, when O’Neill and Bapst are packed to the brim, and you need an alternative place. I highly recommend taking the short walk to Brighton and checking out the T&M Library!
5) Stokes Amphitheatre
If the weather ever gets warm enough, Stokes Amphitheatre is the best place to get some studying done while simultaneously working on your tan. I love the open-air study environment and the people watching as students rush to Mac and Eagle’s Nest. Hopefully the weather will cooperate so we can take full advantage of this study space!
6) The Rat
The Rat is a great study environment for those who want to socialize, eat, and study pretty much at the same time. It can be sometimes noisy, but it’s a great space for multitasking! The Rat is also an ideal location for group projects due to its central location on campus and its large tables.
7) Trinity Chapel on Newton Campus
For those on Newton Campus, the basement of Trinity Chapel is a great study space when you don’t want to leave the campus but need to get in some work. I personally used the basement of Trinity all the time when I lived on Newton and it was so helpful, especially during the winter months, when I didn’t want to commute to main campus!
8) Any classroom on campus
Finding an empty classroom on campus to study in (especially during finals!) is like hitting the jackpot. Classrooms are quiet working environments that are free game to use for any student as long as there are no classes going on. I highly recommend checking out the different floors of Fulton, Higgins, and Stokes to find your favorite new classroom study space.
So check out any of these awesome, alternative study spaces around campus especially in preparation for finals (ugh)! Happy studying!
Sources:
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