STUDENTS’ STUDIOUS SPOTS

BY COLM SIMMONS

As we near the end of the semester and finals begin to loom over us like a pack of wolves, the biggest question on every student’s mind is simple: where do I study? Look no further than this here article as I lay out the ins and outs of the best study spots here on campus. While this is my first rodeo in regards to Hendrix finals, I’m a veteran when it comes to searching for the best place to hunker down and get some work done. During the height of COVID, the majority of students working from home had to carve out spaces for ourselves and grind out our schoolwork.

The Bailey library is a staple and a pillar for studying here on campus. The space is huge, filled with tables and an entire computer lab to hunker down in and study anytime of the week—as long as you can find a seat. Although the library seems like an obvious choice, it’s also a great one. The energy alone screams “get to work” as the books lining the building muffle the group work whispers of the first floor. While the first floor has its charms the second floor is the main attraction with a no-talking policy and coveted study carrels. Although the entire second floor is dubbed a quiet zone meant for solo studying, the study carrels add a feeling of security. The study carrels, of which there are few, are a perfect place to shut off outside distractions, but getting your hands on one is the hard part. Study carrels aside, the library as a whole is a perfect place to study with the Snoddy Center and Writing Center residing there as well. Another campus favorite is the cozy Murphy House. Not only does it look like a cottage from some fairytale, it has the perfect atmosphere for studying. Although the room for studying is relatively small everyone present is fully invested in their work. The assortment of teas and coffee help coax you into a wonderfully studious mood that is unmatched by any other study spot on campus. Its usual hours—8am to 5pm during the week—don’t give much room for night owls. Thankfully on Mondays and Wednesdays, the Murphy House is open from 6pm to 9pm which brings in a fun crowd. If you’re looking to fortify the knowledge you’ve learned in class and look aesthetically pleasing while doing it, the Murphey House is for you. An often overlooked but another perfect spot is the sleek study rooms in the Miller Quad. You might be saying to yourself “But I don’t live in Miller,” but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a place in these newer study carrels. Miller Quad has a certain air about it that matches that of a hospital, but maybe it’s that sterile feeling that’s perfect for studying. The study rooms have giant whiteboards that make going through notes and quizzing yourself or a group of friends more exciting than the pen-and-paper method—just be sure to bring your own markers. Along with an assortment of tables and chairs to fit many people. If you can get over the sporadic outburst of people having fun in their dorms, the Miller Quad could be the next big learning hub.

All in all, Hendrix has a countless number of places to focus and study, for the solo study session or group work, the possibilities are endless. When preparing for final exams try and step outside of your dorm room and see what the campus has to offer in terms of a change in space. A major factor in retaining information is the location you’ve chosen to sit down and work.