Quiet study

One of my favorite secret study spaces is in University Hall.

As finals are quickly approaching, we all have tests, quizzes and homework that seems to have magically appeared out of nowhere. We now need a place to study and concentrate. Yes, the library is nice, but sometimes it’s anything but quiet; and your bedroom has way too many distractions luring you away from your studies. Here are a couple of secret places I like to seclude myself in to focus.

• University Hall: You might be confused a bit when I mention UH as a place to study seeing that the only time students tend to go there is to seek college advisement or see professors for office hours. My secret, or lesser known space, is located on the second floor lounge. On the second floor, you have a quiet setting with comfortable seating and a nice view to look at as you’re contemplating why you chose your particular major… I mean “doing your homework.”
• Starbucks: I have no idea why, but while I’m at Starbucks, I am at my peak shape of productivity; I can get so much done there. Grab a cup of a chai tea latte and an old fashioned donut and just relax and study at the same time. The freshly roasted coffee will continue to wake you up and keep you working till you’re done with your itinerary.
• SCE’s quiet space: I don’t think this is the official name of the room, nor exactly a place to study, but if you go to the 3rd floor of SCE Tower, make a left off the elevator, there is a “quiet room” that is dimly lit with mood lights and little to no sound. This room is a meditation room; a place to relax. There’s one rule to this room, you cannot do anything in it. What does that mean? It means no cell phones, no music, no books, just you and yourself.
• Douglas and Lincoln Hall: Reserving a study space in these two buildings will provide you with the ultimate quiet space, a white board and pure happiness to make the most of your studying.

In addition to those quiet spaces, if you really need a place to prepare for finals check out this event. From April 25-27, the Center for Student Involvement, in conjunction with other departments, will be hosting its #FlamesFinishStrong event. During these days, select areas of the Student Centers (such as the Pier Room, Montgomery Ward Lounge and others) will be open 24 hours 3 days in a row. Tutors for various departments will be on hand to assist students, a room full of bubble wrap will be provided for students to pop and relieve stress, pancake will be served at the Student Center East cafeteria for all students (not just housing) and much more.

Christian Gray is a senior majoring in marketing with a focus in promotion and communications and a minor in economics. He is president of the Student Activities Board. When he’s not planning events or doing schoolwork, you’ll catch him watching something sports related (#KOBE) or vibing out to music. His career goal growing up was to be Batman. He won’t tell you if he was successful on that mission, but let’s be real ­– have you ever seen him and Batman in the same place before?