Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Finding Your Perfect Study Spot

As you all know, studying is a huge part of being in college. Sometimes it is hard to study effectively though. Finding a place where you can efficiently study is incredibly important. If you’re anything like me, you like a quiet spot with few distractions. Other students may thrive in a busier area. So in order to determine what works best for you early on here are a few tips!
You probably have a general idea of the atmosphere you study best in but if not you can surely test out a spot to decide whether or not it works for you. I started my freshman year believing I could study in my room but quickly found out I would do anything but school work while I was there, so feel free to switch it up and figure out where your favorite is!


Quiet Studiers
Some sections of the library, such as the Pattee stacks or the outer edge of each floor of the Paterno library, would be a better choice for you. If you are not easily distracted, studying in you room may also be the peaceful place you desire. Avoid the HUB if you plan to get anything done!
  • Library spaces mentioned above
  • Dorm study areas
  • Empty classrooms
  • Life Science Bridge


Background Noise
Places such as the “Harry Potter Room” in the Pattee Library (through the revolving door and up the pretty stairs) have a lot of seating but also offer a decently quiet background. Other options include the open areas on each floor of the Paterno Library. Kunkle Lounge, located between the Sackett and Hammond buildings would also suffice as a spot to hit the books for people who like the quiet but not the silence.
  • Library spaces mentioned above
  • Hammond Library (located at the end of the Hammond Building)
  • Davey Library (located on the second floor of the davey Building)
  • Au Bon Pain (either in the Katz Building or the Zoller Gallery)


Hustle and Bustle
If you work best in areas with a lot of movement and noise, the HUB could be your perfect spot! Some commons also have tables and nice chairs where you can study with a decent amount of chatter around you. Several buildings have cafes and seating areas that would also offer a busy environment.
  • IST Bridge Au Bon Pain Cafe
  • Anywhere in the HUB
  • Seating area of first floor Kern Building
  • Commons (Redifer Commons has a lot of tables and open area)

Studying for Finals
As you can imagine, it’s difficult to find a decent place to study during finals week. One way to guarantee yourself a satisfactory spot is to, unfortunately, get an early start. My friends and I will leave around 7:00am to find an adequate place -which is usually an empty classroom- and stay there all day. Once you leave a your study nook, another student will quickly swoop in and take it, therefore most people don’t leave after they find a seat. Getting there early can ensure that you acquire the study space you need!

Maddy Bungard is a junior majoring in Civil Engineering and is a Mentor for WEPO'16!

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