By Paige Quiggins
The middle of the semester is already here, and mid-terms are taking over our lives. Depending on what you are trying to study, or what you are trying to accomplish, there are certain places that are more conducive to your studying. Some classes require group meetings, while others would like for students to study on their own, or simply encourage students to begin writing their term papers early in the semester. Below is a guide to help you decide which place on campus is the best for you.
Comfy tables, desks and chairs surround the entrance to the Chao Auditorium in the basement of Ekstrom library. This study area is quiet, secluded and away from all the chaos of entry and exit on other floors. There are plenty of outlets to plug in computers to write a paper, and plenty of room just to snuggle up in an armchair and catch up on reading.
The silent study room is available for those who are easily distracted. This room is located on the first floor, facing the Humanities Building. The rule of silence is strictly enforced, and one could likely hear a pin drop in this great study location.
The McConnell Center is located on the second floor and has plenty of space to meet for group projects or study sessions. Be aware that this location is not good for those who have fears of heights, as it is surrounded by glass walls that overlook the staircase in the center of the library.
The periodical area, close to the Granville A. Bunton African American Collection, is a great place to enjoy the quiet and get up-to-date on reading chapters for class. Adjacent to the communication journals are lamp-lit wooden tables and chairs, which give the area a truly homey feel. Computers are available to those that need them; however, this area is popular for its window view of the courtyard between the Humanities Building and the library.
The gigantic, grain-colored tables located in front of the Writing Center on the third floor are nearly always in use. This is the place you want to go when you have a lot of studying to do and need to spread out. Of all the group meeting places, this may be one of the best. Rooms are also available to host study groups, and provide an enclosed atmosphere which will likely increase productivity and keep you from distracting fellow studiers.
The University Archives and Records Center is located on the fourth floor and is actually distinguished as a separate library. It holds records from the university, as well as other local libraries. This area is a no man’s land to most, but it is definitely a great place to escape.
The REACH center, located on the first floor of Strickler Hall, is a great place to go and catch up on some last-minute studying before that big exam. There is not quite enough room for group study sessions, but the welcoming scent of freshly-brewed coffee is a great wake-up call when you need to get on the grind with your studying.
Davidson Commuter Student Services is located on the first floor of Davidson Hall. This little nook is more like a hangout. Equipped with a TV, couches, recliners, a fridge, microwave and several computers, it’s a place to study or to relax.
The Law Library is open to all students, and even allows some borrowing privileges. This is not the place to go unless you are ready to get some work done. The only noise you will hear in this place is the sound of your keyboard clicking away as you finish that 15-page research document.
Borrowing is suspended to undergraduates for both the Kornhauser and Music libraries. However, each has tons of books and reference materials suitable for use. Typically, you would not need to go to these specific libraries unless you have an assignment within one of the disciplines. For simple studying, one of the locations mentioned in the Ekstrom Library would be ideal.
