It’s midterm season at the University of Connecticut, meaning that many students are spending their time doing practice problems and memorizing facts before exams. But with so many people doing this, where are the best places to do so? Today, writers from the Life section discuss what they think are the best spots to study on campus.
Dan Stark, Life Editor, he/him/his, daniel.stark@uconn.edu
My go-to option lately has been reserving an individual study room in the library, typically on the third floor. When I study, my main method consists of me saying something from my notes out loud and then repeating it four times to get it in my head, so finding a space where I can do that is key. The rooms are mostly soundproof, which gives you a good option if you’re looking for some privacy without having to walk all the way back to your dorm.
These rooms can be booked up to three days in advance, but they tend to go quickly, so make sure to book them plenty of time in advance so you can have your own space to lock in.
Samantha Brody, Associate Life Editor, she/her/hers, sab23059@uconn.edu
I have always had trouble getting myself to focus on studying. I learn best when it’s hands on, and going over notes just doesn’t do it for me. I studied for my AP United States History exam by making index card questions during ad breaks of the anime Dr. Stone.
The Wilbur Cross Building is certainly an option, as long as you’re okay with being surrounded by other people. Sometimes the background noise is a blessing, as it can act as a natural white noise, and sometimes it isn’t. Otherwise, I’ve always been a fan of the study rooms in the library which can be reserved ahead of time. Just be prepared to kick someone out if they’re in a spot you reserved!
Bonnibel Lilith Rampertab, Staff Writer, she/her/hers, lilith.rampertab@uconn.edu
If you’re like me, if you have headphones you can lock in virtually anywhere.
The cultural centers are a great place to study if you can withstand all the talking; I lock in all the time at the Rainbow Center. There’s also the study lounge in the Austin Building, the 24/7 open study space Bookworms, the main hallway in Rowe and the cafe area at Whitney Dining Hall for something cozy for non-quiet study places. Sometimes you simply need to be around people to feel less lonely.
However, if you need quieter places to study, there’s the Wood Hall basement (where the history majors live) when no events are happening there, the North reading room in Wilbur Cross and various lecture halls when lectures are not in session.
Ayyan Tamjeed, Staff Writer, he/him/his, art24001@uconn.edu
Picture this: It’s a warm autumn day, the grass is painted with red and orange leaves and the wind gently passes through you, filling you with warmth instead of the harsh realities of a New England winter. Today is the perfect day to head to the study area on the fourth floor of Monteith and hunker down for some midterms.
For one, you get a majestic view of Mirror Lake and can do a spot of birdwatching if you’re bored. The seating is quite decent, from the high-rise chairs on both ends of the room to the club chairs that line the windows. There are handy whiteboards at each end as well, for all you people that love to write down their chemistry, calculus and history notes on the same board.
Another underrated study spot is on the second floor at Austin in the study area at the corner of the building. This secluded spot is mostly quiet apart from the hustle and bustle of students walking to and from the lecture halls. There’s a glass-to-ceiling window that offers a wonderful view of the Great Lawn and chairs with great cushioning. The charging ports on the arm rests are a wonderful bonus.
Thaddeus Sawyer, Campus Correspondent, he/him/his, thaddeus.sawyer@uconn.edu
While my favorite study spot is generally whatever lecture I find myself in at any given moment, I can’t in good conscience recommend picking up that habit. Instead, I will go with the tables located behind the iDesk on the plaza level of the library. It’s a solid combination of an overall quiet atmosphere with background noise from the cafe area and entrance leaking in. The floor to ceiling windows, while not necessarily giving the best views, allow plenty of natural light in and make for a better backdrop than a plain white wall or bookshelves. It’s nothing special, but I seemingly always knock out an assignment or two while I’m there; you can’t ask for much more.