Finding the right study spot is a very difficult task in my opinion. We all know Muhlenberg is a very small campus and therefore the options are limited. This becomes even more arduous when you add finals week on top of this. Finding your own table to study at let alone a whole classroom to yourself is a struggle to say the least. I think study spots are definitely a personal preference and there are a lot of choices that go into picking out the perfect one.
I would say the first decision is whether or not you like to study with other people. I definitely fluctuate when it comes to this choice. If I really need to buckle-down and get my work done one day, I prefer to study alone. However, if I am not stressed, I enjoy working with my friends so we can take breaks to talk or I can ask them for their opinions on my work. Although once and a while, having friend around when you are very stressed about getting your work done can be a good thing. Sometimes you just need to stop and talk to a friend about something other than that dumb paper you just can’t seem to finish or that math problem that won’t work itself out. So if you are looking to study with friends, a table in the light lounge is prime real estate especially during finals week. Plus, if you’re there on the right day you have easy access to some yummy food at Mule Express.
Another decision you are going to have to make before you choose your study spot is the noise level you are comfortable with. Some people thrive with background noise while others can’t stand the slightest distraction. My roommate once in a while uses an app that creates background noise while she works and it helps her focus. On the other hand, it drives me nuts. Why would you create noise when you are already in a wonderfully quiet environment? I don’t know. So if you’re like me, I would recommend B-level of the library or an empty classroom. I say B-level rather than C-level only because I fear that if I so much as drop something my pen C-level, I’m going to get evil looks from everyone around me, but if that is your kind of place, be my guest. Working in empty classrooms is my favorite though. You have so much room to work on your homework. You can play music if you want without worrying about bothering anyone else or it can be as silent as you want it to be.
The next issue I definitely consider when choosing a study spot is how far I am willing to venture from my dorm. This issue definitely came into play all the times I made the decision to do my work in my bed. I live in ML so walking to Seegers to study often sounds like a trek I am not willing venture on. Therefore for me, Ettinger is usually the best bet. The library is also reasonably close. Last year, living in Prosser, Seegers was definitely my go-to simply because it was so close and I was rarely willing to walk all the way to the library. Distance is definitely something I consider, but if you are considerably less lazy than me and walking ten minutes to the other side of campus doesn’t make you want to groan, then disregard this.
Basically, do what is right for you. Experiment with different study spots until you find the right place. I have purposely left out my favorite rooms to study in for fear you all will steal them and I will be forced to find new ones. You guys wouldn’t do that to me right? Ok well I’m still not telling you. You’re going to have to find your own.
