Finals season is upon us and it is time to finally start studying for all the exams that could make or break your grade. Are your roommates loud and obnoxious? Is it too hard to study at home because of your parents? Do you get too comfy in your home to be productive at all? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then Ekstrom Library may be the place for you!
Study Rooms
If you want any chance to get one of the coveted study rooms, you need to be in Ekstrom Library as early as possible (or you can just sleep there, which will be mentioned later). I realized that the study rooms are never filled in the mornings from the countless days I’ve been to the library during finals season. This year is different as the third floor no longer has study rooms, which makes them even more valuable real estate this finals season. The study rooms are the best place to be if you plan to study in the library because you can keep it as quiet as you want or invite friends in without the dear of disturbing others. You can eat and take breaks without bothering anyone else as well. Also, where else can you just whip out a blanket and take a quick power nap without being disturbed in the library? If you want to be able to survive all day in the library in luxury, you need a study room.
Meals
Ekstrom Library is probably one of the easiest places on campus to get food from. Subway is not too far away, and neither is Twisted Taco. Those two are about a 10-minute walk and you won’t have to be gone for too long. For energy, the Starbucks is right downstairs and the Food Mart in front of Kurz is a lot closer than you think. Ekstrom also happens to be one of the most accessible buildings on campus for delivery drivers so you don’t have to worry about that. I have gotten pizza to the library countless times during long study sessions, and you can always get a food delivery service such as Postmates to come to the library. It is not hard to figure out how you’re going to get your next meal when you’re at Ekstrom.
Sleeping
After about midnight, the east wing of the library closes during final season. This means your cozy study room is also not available anymore. Your next best option is to cozy up on the couches next to the McConnell Center, or occupy one of the rooms down there if they’re available. I highly recommend bring a blanket when you have long study sessions since you can always nap or give up and rest up. With a blanket, you can sleep anywhere after the east wing closes since everyone will either be laser-focused or on adderall. No one will disturb you, and you can easily sleep until morning when the east wing opens up once again at 7:30 in the morning. At least bring a change of clothes and a toothbrush if you plan on doing this. I’ve slept at Ekstrom multiple times, and I ensure you that it is actually not that bad.
With all of these tips you are now ready to tackle on any final by spending your time before exam day within the walls of Ekstrom Library. Ekstrom can serve all your needs as you have a place to sleep, multiple restrooms, and “simple” access to meals. I have used these tips and tricks to have many successful study sessions and I hope they serve you well. Good luck on any exams you have and if you see me in the library after midnight, I am always down to split the cost for getting McDonald’s delivered!