Finals will be upon us soon. There are less than three weeks of classes left, and professors are already giving out essays, take-home tests, monographs, research proposals, and a lot of other materials to cover what’s left of the semester. As students, one of the things we need most right now is a safe space with peace and quiet and a good WIFI signal to study and get all our homework done.
Many prefer to study in the comfort of their homes, but for some students, studying at home isn’t a viable option. Not to mention that there are still a lot of people without power and without a good internet connection after Hurricane María. The UPR has a large system of libraries and each one has its own perks. Some are still closed due to ongoing repairs and maintenance, but here is a list of the best libraries at campus currently offering services to the university community:
1. Biblioteca Dr. José M. Lázaro / Dr. José M. Lázaro Library
One of the most iconic buildings on the university campus, this library is a go-to spot for many students when they need to study, do homework online and print out documents. It’s convenient because of its location right in the heart of the university. It also provides personal cubicles with power outlets for independent study sessions and small rooms for group study sessions. It’s a great space for studying, but since it’s one of the biggest libraries, it’s also the most crowded, which means it’s almost never quiet. It’s also open on weekends for those who need a place to peacefully study on a Sunday without distractions.
Rating: 3 / 5
2. Biblioteca de la Facultad de Derecho / UPR Law School Library
The library at the UPR’s Law School is one of the fanciest libraries I’ve seen. It’s located on the left side immediately after you enter the building. It’s quiet and it has a very aesthetically pleasing design. It features multiple tables, personal cubicles, and comfortable couches to study in. And if you wish to study in a more private space, they offer small rooms at the back, so there’s no possible distraction to get you away from your homework. Not a lot of people know about it, so it isn’t crowded most of the time. They are also open during the weekend, which is very convenient.
Rating: 4 / 5
3. Biblioteca de la Escuela de Planificación / School of Planning Library
This library is a hidden gem! It’s located on the sixth floor of the University Plaza building, and besides being spacious and silent, it offers a spectacular view of the whole campus. There are comfortable couches, personal cubicles, and tables with power outlets. The setting of this library allows you to ignore the passing of time while you’re studying and writing essays. Although if you’re like me, the beautiful view might lead you to some daydreaming and not get any work done.
Rating: 5 / 5
4. Biblioteca de la Facultad de Administración de Empresas / Business Administration School Library
This library is located at the Business Administration Faculty, in the first floor of the Osuna Building. It’s quite small but shouldn’t be discarded as a potential study spot on campus. It offers tables, personal cubicles, and multiple power outlets to charge your stuff. There are also rooms for group study sessions and couches to sit down to catch up with all the readings you left for the last minute. It has a very cozy feel, but because of its limited space, it can get crowded quickly.
Rating 3 / 5
5. Biblioteca Néstor Rodríguez Rivera / Néstor Rodríguez Rivera Library
This library can be found at the Natural Sciences Faculty, in the first floor, right next to Boca Boca. The study area is on the second floor, where you can get access to computers and print out documents. The tables and personal cubicles are dispersed throughout the floor and hidden through the book aisles. Silence is a given in this library and studying without distractions is guaranteed, though it can get crowded easily.
Rating: 3 / 5
So, if you feel like you can study better in a setting with silence, assured personal space, and good WIFI connection, visiting any of these libraries will help you get motivated and more focused on your school work. Good luck and much success during finals week, UPRRP students!