Between pandemic anxiety and the challenges of navigating zoom classes, it feels especially hard to focus on schoolwork this semester. I know that I have had many days this year when I spent more time scrolling through Instagram than I did on a statistics problem set. It might feel more difficult, but not all hope is lost! Changing up your study space can dramatically help increase your productivity. So, if you’re in the same rut that I’m in, try checking out some new study spaces on campus. Here are my top 5 favorite places to get sh*t done:
1. Ho Science Center: Ho is easily the most well-loved study space up the hill. Its huge windows let in plenty of natural light to help improve your mood, ward off drowsiness, and boost productivity. It tends to be pretty quiet, but if you talk out loud or rustle a bag of potato chips, you won’t get any dirty looks. Ho also has a few spacious study rooms and unlocked classrooms that can be used by students once the school day is over, which makes it a great option for group projects.
2. Cooley Science Library: Located in McGregory Hall, Cooley features study tables, carousels, desktop computers, a printer, and lots of books! The space is generally quiet, but whispering seems to be tolerated. It does not get great natural light which initially deterred me, but there is something about the environment that makes it incredibly easy to get in the zone. McGregory is also located in the middle of the academic quad, making it a great space to spend time between in-person classes during a regular semester. The only downside to Cooley is that you aren’t allowed to bring food in, but this could be considered an upside if you hate the sound of other people chewing!
3. The Reading Room: On level 5 of Case Library is a reading room with giant windows that give a beautiful view of Payne Brook and Taylor Lake. Like the Ho, the reading room gets tons of natural light which can have many benefits, and it is also the perfect place to sit and watch the snow fall in the winter. This space is known to be completely silent, a quality for which it is loved by many (I personally find this a bit scary and get embarrassed every time my stomach growls, but to each their own). The reading room’s appeal is exaggerated by the easy access it gives you to all of Case’s resources, including the Chobani Café just a few steps away!
4. Burke Hall & Pinchin Hall: Colgate’s two newest dorms, Burke and Pinchin both have plenty of private study rooms, classrooms, and public work spaces on their first two floors. All of the spaces have windows that let in plenty of natural light and tend to stay pretty quiet. Although it can be quite difficult to get a room, as they are claimed on a first-come-first-served basis, if you can secure one it is really nice to have your own space where you can play music or talk out loud without bothering anybody.
5. Coop: If you like working in an environment with background noise, the Coop is the place for you! It has plenty of tables, no volume restrictions, easy access to food, and outlets and a printer are readily available, making it the perfect place to meet for group projects or to grab a bite while you work on an assignment. Although the Coop may not be the best workspace for everyone, especially during the boisterous lunch rush, the area becomes relatively quiet in the morning and odd afternoon hours, and also on weekends. I personally love to head to Coop the morning before a big test to drink a cup of coffee and eat a breakfast sandwich as I review flashcards one last time.
Check out these spaces and find out what works best for you! Happy studying!