The weather may not always be the most agreeable in Florida, but as we head into the Floridian version of winter (where the temperature might fall below 80 degrees!) I encourage you all to move from the library and on to the benches and tables scattered around our beautiful campus.
These past few weeks have been filled with labs, essay due dates, cramming for the exam that could make or break grades and pretty soon, the dreaded week of finals. You may say it is horrible timing to try and venture outside the library, but it is actually a great opportunity to try studying outside.
1. Perfect Noise Level: I go absolutely crazy in complete silence. Maybe thats why you'll never find me on the upper levels of the library. My thoughts try to compensate for the lack of noise and I end up being unable to focus on whatever I am trying to do. Outside there is always a little bit of noise, whether it be the wind blowing the leaves, the sounds of footsteps, or the trickling of water. It's the best kind of noise too. Unlike music or television, it doesn't distract me. I am also not surrounded by friends, who tend to be more of a distraction when I am trying to study.
2. Fewer Distractions: Take away the ability to keep my laptop on a charger and it may just force me to spend less time on Facebook and Netflix and more time on actually writing my essay. Studying outside can help limit all of the things that make studying go from just an hour, to three because I kept finding myself doing other things.
3. Comfort: I cannot sit still. My butt also has a habit of disagreeing with the chairs in the library. Moving outside opens the possibilities of where I can sit. I could throw a blanket over the grassy areas around the MSC. I could utilize the benches or picnic tables all around our campus. If it is especially nice out, I may even decide to head over to the Greek (or Magnolia/JP) pool.
Don't believe me? Give it a try. Here are two of my favorite places to study outside on campus:
Around Cooper Hall:
Around the Honors College:
