About a week ago, I was innocently eating a cookie at my then favorite study spot-- Free Speech Movement Café-- when a squirrel stole my cookie. Yes, a cookie. No, it wasn't in my hand. Yes, I put up a fight. Go ahead and laugh now, but know that I am traumatized for life. As a result of this blatant attack on my personal freedoms, I've spent the last week discovering new squirrel-safe study spots. Here are my findings:

1. Cory Hall Courtyard

AKA: that on campus boba place you've heard about. It's not so busy anymore, the boba's great, and it's 100% squirrel free. Plus, for my Foothill folks, it's actually close to the dorms for once. What more could you want?

2. Morrison Library

This is by far my favorite place to get reading done on campus. It feels like time stops when you walk into the hushed reading room, which is a perfect complement to a good book. Pro-tip: If a table in the balcony is open, claim it.

3. Moffitt Library

Right next to the dreaded Free Speech Movement Café, but I'll make it work because the newly renovated floors are opening this week! I'm unsure what to expect, but you best believe I'll be keeping an eye out for furry demons on my way over.

4. Memorial Glade

All of the outdoors and none of the squirrels! Well, there are some, but what the Glade also offers is a prime viewing spot of all the dogs of Berkeley. Dogs, plus a fantastic view of Doe, the Campanile make this an ideal study spot on a nice day.

5. North Reading Room

For when you need to buckle down and get work done. North is intimidatingly quiet at times, but when you need to get that English paper done, sometimes an alarmingly high rate of productivity (or at least the semblance of it) is exactly what you need.

So there you have it-- a couple of study spots to explore if, like me, you've been unceremoniously scared away from your original one, or if you're just looking for a new place to scroll through Facebook.