When you're on a term system like we are, there's pretty much always something stressful coming up, whether it's midterms (fourth week through sixth week) or the end of the term (eighth week onwards). Because of this, it's good to have a variety of places you're comfortable studying. Even though our campus is small, there's plenty of great study spots if you know where to look. Here are some of my personal favorites.
Fourth Floor of Warch
Noise level: moderate/social
Amount of space: limited/moderate
Here, you'll find plenty of study tables and a few couches. Conveniently located in the Warch Campus Center, you'll never be too far from the cafe -- plus, if you're looking for a study break, there's an arts and crafts area up here as well. Nothing here is too comfy, so you won't find the perfect couch to settle into for hours of reading, but the tables for four and circles of chairs make it a great place for working on group projects or reviewing with classmates.
The Third Floor Steitz Atrium
Noise level: fairly quiet
Amount of space: limited
Although the two flights of stairs that must be climbed to reach this location is a major drawback, overall studying here is worth it. For the most part, the entire Stietz atrium is a quiet place to study, except during passing periods when a seemingly the entire student body passes through. Any spot in the atrium is great to work, especially if you're just passing time before or after a class in Steitz/YC, but the third floor is the best spot for actually settling down. The natural light is energizing and helpful for feeling productive, plus floating twenty or so feet above the ground floor is just flat out cool. There's a table for working at, but honestly, the chairs are where it's at.
Main Hall Green
Noise level: however loud you want it to be
Amount of space: unlimited
When the weather is nice and you just want to be outside, main hall green is the perfect place to study. Whether you manage to snag one of the benches or tables, or you're just sprawled out in the grass, it's a great place to get work done without any nearby conversations distracting you. Plus, if you want to sit and talk with friends while you study, or work in a group, you can do that without bothering anyone, since everybody is so spread out.
Somerset
Noise level: silent
Amount of space: plenty
Open 24/7, Somerset (and it's neighbor, the Pusey Room) is one of the best places for late night cramming and essay writing. This room is always absolutely silent, so you never have to worry about distracting background noise or conversations and it's easy to get lost in your own little world. The majority of the room is filled with chairs and couches more comfortable than the campus average, although there are a few tables as well. Plus, the vaulted ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap two walls of the large room give the room an open feel, especially with such gorgeous river views.
The Café
Noise level: social/loud
Amount of space: moderate/plenty
Bon Appétit isn't just for eating, folks. The café is one of the best places to get work done on campus, provided you aren't on a tight deadline. Not only is the food an obvious plus, but the social atmosphere really helps some students who need to be working with others to get things done. Studying alone in the café is perfectly acceptable, but having a study table there with a group of friends is also common and a great method. A downside for some is that you may get distracted by the people you run into, but this could also be a plus for a student trying to be productive in their free time but not looking for a full out study session.
Outdoor Tables Behind Sage
Noise level: varies
Amount of space: moderate
Provided the weather is nice and it's not winter term, behind Sage and Warch there are several outdoor tables. On a sunny day, these tables with forest and river views are perfect for getting work done. The main drawback is the fact that, of course, you can't use them in or after the rain, and they aren't there during winter term. Also, winds from the river can make reading books or working with paper difficult. But on a nice day, none of this matters, because nothing beats being outside.
Kruse Room
Noise level: silent
Amount of space: limited
Located on the fourth floor of the library, the Kruse room is possibly the best place for individual studying on campus. This cozy room is perfect for reading, seeing as it feels like an old fashioned library or office. It's full of comfy chairs and couches - and when I say comfy, I mean it. The couches in this tucked-away location are possibly the best on campus, and there are two of them, plus multiple reading chairs and two study tables. Unfortunately, the library is only open until 1 am, so we can't stay here forever, but otherwise, it doesn't have a single flaw.
