On-Campus Hideouts Words by Ally Gall
focusing on the grassy area behind Drew Science Center. This view is relaxing and peaceful, especially with the view of the nature that’s on campus. First-year Alexis Lusthoff also focuses on the peace and quiet of two different places when studying. “[I like studying] either in our lobby in our building [Schilling Hall] or thirdfloor library,” Lusthoff said. “I can put my headphones on and not be tempted to watch TV or fall asleep, and I actually do work.”
Photo by Kat McCullum
The sun shines and illuminates Alumni Way. I look out the window and watch as people walk outside, traipsing in and out of buildings. Around me, people’s voices fill the open space, laughter and chatter ringing in my ears. My laptop, notebooks, textbooks, and planner are all in front of me in messy stacks. I’m sitting on the second floor of Anderson at one of the round, white high-top tables next to the large glass windows. It is one of my favorite spots to sit— whether it’s for homework, eating, or talking with friends. Sunlight is an extraordinary thing. It creates productivity (for me, at least) and makes the day feel so much longer and happier. Having sunlight to read my textbooks or write a paper feels better than the artificial lights in the buildings, so much so, that it makes it difficult to work in dim-lit areas. It’s important to find a space that caters to you. For me, that means sunlight. For some that means being able to see people you know and can talk to. Junior Aaron Buergi talked about that in his favorite study space. “My favorite place to sit on campus is outside of Anderson because you still get to see people pass by and feel how nice it is outside,” Buergi said. Everyone seems to look for certain qualities when finding their own space. Sometimes they are purposeful, like sunlight for me and personal interaction for Buergi. But other times, they are accidental.
Junior Elaina Tueffel stumbled upon her favorite spot. “When I was a first-year, I took three reading-intensive courses; I did not know any better. Because of that, I had to spend almost all of my time reading, so I chose the library, naturally. The first place I went was to the blue couches, and I spent so much time there during my first year that it became my study spot. I’ve just recently rediscovered how that specific couch helps me zone in, and I wouldn’t want anywhere else. Sometimes it’s just about having a designated place.”
“Sometimes it’s just about having a designated place.” Sorin Hall first floor is number two on my list of “favorite places to study.” Similar to the second floor of Anderson, it has large windows, so sunlight bleeds in and touches every surface. The tables are large; because of that, I can unload my backpack and stack up my textbooks, notebooks, and anything else I might need. My favorite part, though, is that the seats are wooden benches. This makes it easy to prop your feet up and get comfortable. Aside from the library, it’s one of the quietest places on campus. While people can pass by frequently, the loudest it usually gets is a casual conversation or an occasional campus tour, both of which pass by quickly. The windows allow a perpendicular view of Alumni Way,
Lusthoff isn’t the only one who appreciates peace and quiet when studying. Sophomore Luc(y/a) Fisk focused on it as well. “My favorite study spot is West Hall third floor. The bridge between West and East Hall is always empty and quiet. Lots of light streams in and you can lay all your study supplies out and take up some space,” Fisk said. Whether you enjoy the bustle of Starbucks or the serenity of empty spaces, the most important thing in finding your favorite place to be on campus is to figure out what needs to surround you. Bright light and table space are two qualities that I consistently look for in my study spaces. Others like the simplicity and quietness of places. Test places out, find out where you’re productive. And then take advantage of that place. Use it as much as possible. Sit there all day. Camp out. Get settled with a cup of coffee, a couple of snacks, or whatever else you need, and get shit done. Photo by Kat McCullum
Spring 2019 | 5
