Quick disclaimer: Everyone has different needs when it comes to the type of space needed to be productive.
Personally, I’ve found I get distracted easily. This can be from small noises or even talking. I need complete silence or else I’m unable to focus, especially when I’m reading. If you are someone like me, I have some ideas and tips that might help you when you are studying.
My room is a place I feel very conflicted about studying in. One of the reasons is because I’ve had friends tell me, as well as experience this myself, that I want my room to be a place where I come back to relax. I don’t want to associate it with schoolwork and feel overwhelmed or that it’s not a safe space for me. It can be conflicting because sometimes I really just want to be in my room and not walk somewhere else to study, especially when it gets cold. The other thing is that it can be hard when you are in a space that is your chill/hangout out space, where it can be tempting to do other things. I find it hard to not get distracted and off-course because there are so many other things in my room that I would rather be doing.
My favorite place I study is the library basement. I enjoy this study space because it’s a no talking zone, and as I mentioned earlier, I get distracted easily. Not a lot of people go down there since most people want to be able to talk to friends or listen to something. It’s a good space for people who need to focus though and need the space to be alone. On the other hand, the other floors have spaces for collaboration. The first and second floors have whiteboards that can be used to write on for groups or even just to take notes or note key ideas for yourself. I find this helpful when I’m reading or I’m discussing with people about a topic. This helps me remember points I want to take note of, as well for things I want to know more about or further questions. The basement, first and second floor all have study rooms. In the rooms, they have T.V.s that you can hook up your laptop or computer to. This is great for practicing presentations or for everyone to be able to see the screen. I find this helpful when I’m studying in a group. The library has so many resources for students to help when studying, and it’s a place I recommend going to.
BECC is another great building to study in. This is the college of business and engineering, but all students have access to it during the day. Business and engineering students can let you into the building after hours. I like this space because there are a lot of areas that are in the building that are study rooms, but also areas on each floor that are quieter. They have these spaces on the second, third, and fourth floors. The smaller spaces have tables and chairs you can work at. There is a huge window behind one of the areas and sometimes when I’m taking a break, I like to watch out the window. Otherwise, I normally come here to study sessions for classes that I’m about to have exams in. The rooms are a lot bigger, and you have more technology available for use. You can reserve these rooms if you want to do this type of collaboration. They have many comfy chairs in the smaller areas and also high tables as well. It can get pretty crowded sometimes, but overall, it’s a nice space. They also have a Starbucks on the first floor if you ever need some coffee or a little snack.
Another great space to study is outside in Olin or Alumni Quad. I don’t typically do this solely because I hate bugs, but I know many people enjoy this. They have benches, tables, and huge red chairs for people to sit at. In the fall, I will sometimes sit on the benches in front of Bradley Hall because there aren’t too many bugs outside. This is nice to get fresh air and read. I know some people like to bring blankets and sit outside on the grass as well. Sometimes, we need a change of scenery to get work done, and this can be one of them! To be extra cautious, make sure to wear sunscreen!
A place I know people go to is the student center because there is seating other than the food court. Closer to Sission Hall, there is a seating area where you can eat and study. Around the corner, there is a staircase that has comfy chairs and tables. It has I think two or three levels as you go down the stairs. At each level, you can sit at one of the tables. It’s pretty chill, but a little too noisy for me. Again, background noise may not bother you, so this might be awesome for you.
Westlake in the building of nursing and education. This place has so many great study spots. They have the basement downstairs that has comfy seating with little desks attached to the chairs. They have high tables as well that you can chill at. The second and third floors both have a little area where you can study at. They have a T.V to hook your computer up to, as well as tables and comfy chairs. They have comfy chairs on every floor. Something else I love about the building is all of the natural light from the windows. It’s peaceful. Westlake is also known for their waterfall stairs. These stairs are huge and have pillows you can chill on. This can be nice while you wait between classes.
I’m sure that all of you will find your cozy study space, but these are just some of the ones I’ve found! I think you have gathered that I very much enjoy going into basements for some reason. I think it’s just cool to be underground and not hear all of the background noise. I would say the library basement is my favorite at the moment because I’ve spent the most time down there and I find it relaxing. I think I once spent four or five hours down there in one sitting.