It’s that time of the semester. Vests and boots are coming out, pumpkin spice lattes are back, midterms are coming up, and you’re probably starting to get tired of your usual study spot. This need to mix it up and try working in a new environment is Restless Study Spot Syndrome. While not contagious, it is diagnosable and highly detrimental to your productivity.
It is time to switch up your routine. There are many amenities you may look for when searching for that new study spot: How near are restrooms and water fountains? If you get hungry, what are the nearby snack options? What is the availability of those elusive outlets? How comfortable are the chairs? So if you’re at the point where you are tired of your old spot, or just tired of competing for tables in the fish bowl, here are some suggestions before you feel like giving up LC style.
Center for Digital Scholarship
While the library in general is a pretty obvious choice for studying, the Center for Digital Scholarship is less obvious. Before the redesign of the library, it was well hidden away in the back left corner of the library behind all the printers. This spot has all the conveniences that come with studying in the library (such as ABP and nearby printers), but it can feel more private and less crowded. The chairs are very comfortable, and if you check out the adjoining digital scholarship classroom each table in that room has its own block of outlets.
LaFun – Main Floor
LaFun is another obvious choice for studying. While the basement is a little dark, the upstairs is well lit. I especially like the booths located across from Subway because they tuck you away and offer a little more seclusion. The booths on the left side facing Subway all have their own outlets except for the front first two, whereas only a couple of the booths on the right have outlet accessibility. While negatives include that upstairs, LaFun can get pretty loud, the central location and amenities of this spot are big positives.
LaFun – East Lounge
LaFun’s East Lounge is a much-lesser known study spot. Located in the basement, its tucked away in the corner between the Hayes-Healy-facing door and the computer room. There are limited tables, but great lighting and it’s usually pretty quiet. You also have your choice between booths, tables and chairs, or tables and armchairs. Negatives include the fact that the LaFun water fountains stink and outlets are limited.
Jordan Hall of Science
Jordan is definitely an under-valued study spot, possibly because it is a little out of the way. However, it’s still a great place to study even if you’re not a science major. The lounge/seating area by the entrance facing the JACC is my preferred spot in Jordan. During the day, the A La Descartes stand is open for snacks and coffee, and at night there are usually tons of available tables. The chairs are comfortable, the lighting is great, and there are plenty of outlets. Jordan is that lifesaver spot when it seems like everywhere else on campus is crowded and noisy.
Stinson Remick
Probably because the science buildings are so new, they are great places to study with good lighting and comfy chairs. Stinson Remick is another less known and under-appreciated spot. Although it’s the Engineering building, there are a bunch of great spots to study in and during normal hours anyone can walk in to use them. It might be a hike depending where your dorm is (it’s basically across from the Morris Inn), but if you are planning to do work for a large amount of time its definitely worth the trip. There are tons of tables and chairs, and even some nice private rooms with outlets.
Hopefully some of these places are worth a try, but even if none of them are what you want there are still tons of other great study places not on this list. Once you find your perfect study spot it might even be a little easier to get homework done. Think how productive and studious you will be. Then you can say this to all your friends,
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Images: 1(provided by author), 2, 3, 4, 5 (all provided by author), 6