Many students enjoy studying in their rooms. The place they feel the most comfortable – bedrooms can provide a sense of safety for those needing to “lock in” during this finals season. That is not the case for me.
Studying in the bedroom creates a perfect environment for limited productivity. The comfort of my bed, the easily accessible television and the distraction of talking to my roommates make my dorm the least viable place to get studying done. I would be better off taking the test without looking at any material.
So, where are the good places to study?
There are some ground rules for finding a study spot – time restraints, an open environment and of course, the option for a snack.
The study spot must have a time constraint; this creates a perfect schedule for completing a set number of tasks within a given period. When I lock myself in my bedroom to study, I allow myself unlimited time. I am aware that I can always start later, but when going to an establishment like a coffee shop or an educational building, I am limited to the hours the establishment is open.
A place where others are working works best for my studies. I am held accountable by the company of others. Whether that be acquiring a friend to study with or going to a public place, there must be others present.
Finally, a snack. It might sound fatuous, but having something to look forward to, such as a coffee or a pastry, makes cramming in schoolwork much more enjoyable. Additionally, who does not need a boredom treat during a grueling study session?
My go-to study spot is always going to be a coffee shop, but not just any coffee shop. BSG in Cornelia provides the best combination of atmosphere and location. The drink menu evolves seasonally, making it an excellent spot for coffee connoisseurs. They have a whole sandwich and pastry menu. Seating in BSG varies from couches to high tops and tables and there is always an outlet available to plug in. The playlist is an added plus for those who like to work without their own headphones.
The only downside to BSG is its hours. BSG closes its doors at 2 p.m. daily, which makes the time-constraint element of my study spot guidelines difficult to meet.
I am never one to pass up a drive either; this makes my study session more valuable, knowing that I have to make something of a commute. That makes Hello Hilo in Gainesville another great option. Unlike BSG, Hello Hilo is open past dinner – making the hours much more feasible for a long study day. With outdoor seating, heaters for winter finals season, outlets and a phenomenal menu ranging from pastries to main dishes, Hello Hilo is great for long hours of studying and completing work.
By the end of the semester, however, the budget gets tight. The funds for fun drinks and food become inadequate.
It is time to hit the books in the Sewell Education Building. The study rooms in Sewell range in size and include Smart Boards for student use. Getting into Sewell before the building closes is essential; after closing hours, there is free rein. This is perfect for nights when I know my study efforts or project will be lengthy.
The environment you study in is the first key to acing your finals. Take a minute to figure out the study spots you excel in and hit the books.
