Study Spots

Posted by Jessica Russo on February 22, 2013

As students loaded with lots of responsibilities, it is vital to make every minute of studying productive. Studying on campus can be difficult, especially when Bartle Library seems to be crowded to the brim. Not to mention how it’s near impossible at most hours to find an open computer in Bartle without wandering between the Macs and the PCs for too much time. So read on if you’re looking for better places to study and get work done.

Many choose to study outside their homes, which sometimes seems like the best choice. Outside there is no bed tempting you to sleep. And you also hope to find peace and quiet, or a place where not everything is reminding you of what else you’re supposed to do.

The Glen G Bartle Library is the most well known study spot on campus. From the PODS computers to the third and fourth floor study desks and group rooms, to the benches by Jazzman’s, most Binghamton students take advantage of every inch of the building. I knew of a student who even found it nice to study on the staircase, where practically no one travels. On the lucky chance that you find a good spot there, you would be in a cozy quiet environment. In the quiet areas, particularly the third and fourth floors, you will get looks if you were to do so much as to make a peep. The only problem is that these places crowd up at the roughest times of the semester, and if you’re not the early bird there, you’re likely to end up as the wanderer. When going to Bartle, try to go at the ends of the day, early in the morning or late in the evening. That way, you can avoid the crowds, print your materials faster and get to studying without much hassle.

It’s also a good idea to explore alternative spots. The Science Library is one of the best study areas on campus. Even though it’s smaller, it’s more spacious, as barely anyone goes there. Several computers tend to be unoccupied most of the time. And when you go downstairs, you’ll find study desks equipped with a lamp and two outlets. It’s a place where you might find yourself completely alone, and distraction-free. Again, the best times to go are at the ends of the day, but if you find yourself stuck studying in the afternoon, you would find a free computer sooner at the Science Library than Bartle.

There are also study spots in the Discovery Centers in College-in-the-Woods and Hinman College. The first could be found in the same building as their dining hall on the top floor. The spot also offers tutoring, which you can sign up for at the front desk to the left when you walk in. The second spot is at the front of Hinman, a building right across from the Rockefeller Center. Both spots offer printing, and Hinman’s spot is full of comfy studying chairs.

Apparently, there is also a Pods in the science five, which you can enter through a door facing the inside of campus. And there’s a Pods in Academic A downstairs and a Pods in Science two on the ground floor across the main entrance. All of these pods have printing, and are generally quiet.

If you’re looking for a place with computers and not a printer, you can check out the computer lab, located on the near left side of the undergrounds. Its hours are restricted, but it’ll usually have a free computer, even at the busiest times. One downfall is that it’s so close to the arcade games that it’s not very quiet. But for light studying or checking email, this works just fine.

When we approach the last weeks of class, you might find it relaxing to study next to the fountains. The sound of gushing water relaxes the mind and makes it easier to focus. But as we seek warmth in the freezing bane of winter, indoors is the place to be. I hope that these tips will help your search for the perfect distraction-free study spot. If you’d like to share your favorite study spot or a good studying tip you’ve discovered, feel free to leave a comment below.