If you’re like me, having a good place and environment to study is important for studying to be effective, or sometimes to even happen at all. The place can make the difference in getting an assignment done quickly, or procrastinating to no end. Even if you can relate, personally I feel extra-sensitive to my surroundings; the lighting has to be a particular way, the chair or seat needs to be a minimum height relative to the desk or table, etc. Because of this, I feel very in tune and intentional about where I choose to study, at least if I have serious work to do. So, based on my five-ish years here at Virginia Tech, here’s a list of study spots I prefer to go to, to settle and get serious work done!
- Torgersen Bridge
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Torg Bridge is a place that many students also select as their favorite study spot, and for the right reasons. It is one of the most centrally-located spots on campus and one of the most picturesque places, both from the inside and outside. Its connection to Newman Library makes it accessible to resources in that building as well. But I prefer Torg Bridge over the library itself because even though the library also offers designated quiet floors, Torg Bridge is much more open and cozy. The lighting is more subtle — almost candlelight-like — the ceiling is super high, and the tables are not separated like in Newman’s quiet floors. For these reasons, it’s a great place to not get distracted but also to not feel isolated from others!
- Squires Student Center
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Squires is another centrally located spot, not too far from Torg Bridge. What’s excellent about Squires is its variety of atmospheres within the building, including its own food court, which offers Burger ‘37 and Au Bon Pain. In addition, there are different kinds of chairs and couches that can be chosen based on your preferences, such as how much cushion you want your seat to have! Personally, I like to work in some of the cultural community centers, because they also offer resources specific to those cultures and a sense of community and shared motivation. And if you need to go somewhere outside of walking distance right after or before studying, it’s the place on campus with the most buses coming through!
- Creativity and Innovation District Residence Hall
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I might sound a bit biased because I also live in the Creativity and Innovation District (CID), but CID offers much more than just residential areas. It also has a big main lobby called the Community Assembly, which has many couches and tables on two different floors. Having a spacious area with many floor-to-ceiling windows makes it a perfect place to go without leaving the building where I live. It’s still separate enough from my room that I don’t feel the need to be there, but it is very convenient for me if I forget something or want to grab it! Even for non-residents, CID offers a great, creative atmosphere for studying when the Community Assembly’s open to the public during the weekdays.
There are a few other places I love to go to, such as Shanks Hall, where the department of my major is located, the New Classroom Building, and even Owens Food Court. I hope this list has helped you find a new favorite study spot as well, or at least a glimpse as to what to look for when finding one for yourself!