To Study Hither or Thither

By Katrina Halfaker on April 16, 2014

College is all about studying, right? (Sometimes, maybe, occasionally, when required). Well, in any case, it’s important to study not only correctly, but to study safely and in a comfortable place. Among other things, where the WiFi connection is fruitful and benevolent.

There are a few factors that influence the quality of a study space. It all depends on a person’s tastes, of course, and what one will prefer.

The factors influencing a choice of study space may include but are not limited to:

1. Ceiling height

2. Population density

3. Noise level

4. Comfort of institution

5. Proximity to food

Libraries with high ceilings, like those of the main library on campus, tend to be conducive to echoes and “adjustment sounds”(people coughing, chairs scraping the floor, books being shelved, and so on). Places that have a lot of people- like Starbucks, Espresso Royale and the Union- tend to also be distracting and the WiFi is not so great. But at least at those venues, snacks abound. But then, one must take into account the seating and the lounges available. The UGL has some great couches and cubicles that can be reserved (as does ACES library and a few others) but there are more people vying for those spots and opportunities.

I haven’t seen many vying, however, for public classrooms after hours. Maybe there are space request rules about this, but I’ve yet to see them enforced. Like a department? Like one of the classrooms? Pack dinner, beverages and your materials. Claim that territory.

Some think it’s a little silly to go somewhere to study if resources from that place are not needed, so studying at home or in an apartment is also a possibility. But where within the domicile? Some complain they don’t want to do work in their bedrooms, because they don’t want to potentially disrupt their sleep patterns by doing so. Some places are for work, some are for rest and some are for fun: that’s the mindset.

But in all honesty, if I’m going to pass out anywhere halfway through a chapter on pathology, I’d like it to be somewhere private.

Honors programs, however, are pretty good about advertising environments available.

The Campus Honors Program, for example, has its own little building. The furniture and set-up is very cozy, they offer hot chocolate and crackers (depending), and nearly no one aside from CHP members and affiliates know where it is. It’s a secure place, and it’s likely under-utilized, much like the LAS James Scholar Program’s Honors Commons.

This is not meant to be a prescriptive article. Whatever works for people works for people. Some good rules to follow, though, are:

-If one is studying late on campus and needs to walk or bus home, one should utilize SafeWalks and SafeRides (depending). If one really must be alone, one should carry mace. This goes for everyone. Mace is $15 at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

-One would do well to make sure the place of studying makes one feel focused. That should be a given. Why go somewhere that saps one of energy and directive?

-If one would be the type to enjoy studying in groups, one should make sure (no matter what area you’re occupying) that one respects the needs of others.

Overall, the best strategy is to experiment and see what fits. It could change throughout one’s life or even day for that matter. Be conscious and productive.

 

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