Grab your backpacks and grande lattes everyone, we are going to the library! It's a bright Monday afternoon and all you want to do is go outside and ignore your problems. Unfortunately today, that is not an option. There's that Pol S 203 midterm coming up on Friday and it's time to hunker down and get some work done.
And by get some work done, I really mean: go to the library and do these 16 things instead of actually study.
1. Find a place to sit.
Odegaard is like one big game of musical chairs. Who can get to the few remaining seats the quickest? It's truly a good day when you are able to score one of the big chairs that are perfect for doing nothing in.
2. Eat a burrito.
I'm sure there is a rule somewhere that explicitly states that food is not allowed in the library. Yet that doesn't stop many people from coming into the library with a Chipotle bag in tow. There is something quite peaceful about eating a burrito (or any other popular Mexican dish) surrounded by books and stressed out undergraduates.
3. Watch an episode (or two) of "Friends."
Phoebe Buffay didn't go to college and she turned out just fine. So what's the harm in taking a quick break to watch a little Netflix? Just make sure to ignore all the dirty looks you will get from taking up one of the chairs to laugh obnoxiously at your computer screen.
4. Avoid someone.
Odegaard is a great place to run into friends. It's also a great place to run into someone you really do not want to see. An ex-friend, that guy you hooked up with once (emphasis on once), your old lab partner who wanted more than your notes...the options are endless! The library is one of those places where you can see anyone. Just make sure to look natural when they pass by and you suddenly become really involved in the state of your nail beds.
5. Call your mom.
The library has great cell reception.
6. Wonder if the person next to you is really studying.
I'm a terribly nosy person. So I'm always trying to figure out what other people are doing next to me. In the back of my head I always wonder if the person next to me is actually reading that book or they're just staring at the page daydreaming about apple pie. Honestly it's a toss up sometimes.
7. Check Facebook.
People will judge you, but I mean you're sitting down on your laptop anyways. Just scroll through that feed and watch some Tasty videos. Might as well.
8. Take all of the BuzzFeed quizzes.
It's like a black hole. Once you take one quiz you can't stop. You need to know which member of One Direction is your soulmate or if you were a flavor of jolly rancher which one would you be. These are important identity defining results!
9. Chat with your friends.
The library is especially fun when you rope your friends into going with you. Other than Starbucks, the library is the ultimate location to catch up with your friends. It provides the perfect setting for your best friend to fill you in on everything you missed last night. Just don't get too loud, you might get shushed.
10. Take a nap.
I don't know about you, but I have passed out in those library chairs many times. Probably more times than I would like to admit...
11. Spin around in the big chairs.
We might be students at the prestigious University of Washington, but that doesn't mean we don't all have a little bit of kid left in us. So take advantage of the smooth spin of the library chairs and have a good time!
12. People watch.
The University of Washington is full of interesting people and Odegaard is one of the few places all of these interesting people convene. So take a look around, don't be afraid to stare and open up your mind to all the different types of people you could see.
13. Run into your roommate.
Every time I see my roommate I get really excited (because it's not like we live together or anything...). So when you see your favorite person make sure to jump up and down and make a fool of yourself so that everyone knows exactly how excited you are.
14. Read this article.
And if you like it, a share on Facebook would be much appreciated.
15. Distract your friend from across the room.
You spot your friend from afar in the middle of their chemistry study group. Make sure to wave frantically until they see you. They will appreciate it.
16. Open your textbook, close it and go get a smoothie.
It's been a long day of unproductive work, you deserve it.
Bonus point!
17. Actually study (optional).
I mean, you do you.
