It’s the middle of December, and while most people are getting into the holiday spirit, college students are finishing their last essays and studying for finals. During the last couple weeks of classes, most colleges open up their libraries 24/7. Pulling all-nighters becomes so much easier, and one can always find a place conducive to learning whether it’s 4 p.m., or 4 a.m. If one spends enough time in the library, he or she will probably encounter one of these five archetypes.
1. The Sleeper
Because libraries are open 24/7, the library is never empty. Around 3-6 a.m., you may find this person sprawled out on a semi-cushioned chair. This person brought a blanket and a pillow to the library; he or she came prepared. Finals are stressful, but this shouldn’t prevent one from getting a good night’s rest, even if it is on a library couch. Since some finals take place at 8am, it’s understandable that one wouldn't want to walk back to the dorm. Using this approach, one never has to go home: one can study, sleep, Tim Hortons, take finals, repeat.
2. The Caffeine
This person is hunched over his or her book or laptop and has been in the same spot for hours. You went to sleep, and when you woke up early to print something out in the library, this person is still there. If this person ever looks up, you’d probably see dark circles and a stress epitomized in an expression. Next to a large stack of books is a large coffee and an energy drink. Does this person ever sleep? Well this person is probably me, and to answer that question, not really.
3. The Noise
This archetype takes multiple forms. For one, it is the person on his or her phone, speaking fairly loudly to a parent. Others are trying to study, but all they can focus on is Alison’s plans to go home. Also, this can be as subtle as the person whose headphones are too loud on the quiet floor. It isn’t intentional, but it it can be irritating nonetheless, and it concerns me about their hearing. However, it can also be the person who thinks it’s ok to hum along. Lastly and probably most loudly, is the group of friends at the library shouting at each other and possibly even playing music. Study rooms are not completely soundproof, and these people should watch out for "The Caffeine."
4. The Netflix
This person thinks he’ll be productive at the library. He brought all of his notes to study and he is set on finishing her eight page paper tonight. However, somehow he ends up watching "Parks and Recreation" on Netflix. It always starts with “Just one episode, I deserve a break anyway,” and suddenly it’s almost 3am, and you have one sentence of your essay written. It's an easy trap to fall into, and although breaks are necessary, watching six episodes of "Parks and Recreation" will not help you pass your philosophy final. Instead, learn from Leslie Knope’s inspiring ambition and write best paper possible.
5. The One That Has It Together
As the name says, this person has it together. She made her schedule for the week, and she is still on top of everything by Wednesday. She knows when she needs a break and knows when it’s time to go back to the library.
This last student is extremely rare, and no one has it together all the time, especially during finals week. The last weeks of class are extremely stressful, and it’s easy to become the sleep-deprived Caffeine or the given-up Netflix. However, one should remember a few things. It’s OK to occasionally takes breaks, and breaks are sometimes even necessary to stay focused and productive. Caffeine is amazing, but don't overdo it.
If you’ve done it before, you can do it again, and if this is your first experience with college finals, you’ll get through it. Embrace the heightened excitement: impress yourself that you can stay at the library for five hours or pull an all-nighter and proudly hand in an amazing final paper. However, don’t overdo it and let yourself burnout by Wednesday.
Just remember: It's simply the last week of classes, and if you’ve made it through the rest of the year in one piece, you will be fine.
