Going back to school can feel at first a little intimidating, especially if it’s your first time on a new campus. For me, one of the best ways to get to know my way around is to find different places to study. In high school, I thought studying was limited to just the library, but in college, I’ve actually found it better to study around campus. Because of this, I’d love to share the best places to study on campus- fret not if you don’t go to Cal Lutheran University; these tips can still apply to you.
 #1: Student UnionÂ
This was the first place I went to when I was a freshman, and honestly, now it feels like a second home to me as a commuter. In the Student Union, there are so many resources available to students- computers where you can print out assignments, study rooms for studying with friends, and, best of all, the T.V.s where you can play games in between classes! There are also more resources upstairs that are useful too, but the Student Union is one of my favorite places to be on campus.
#2: Starbucks on CampusÂ
I couldn’t make this list without mentioning my other favorite study spot, which is every coffee lover’s favorite place to be. Though I do love occasionally ordering my iced caramel latte (or, since it’s fall, an iced Pumpkin Spice latte), I enjoy the background ambiance of being surrounded by other people. I also love listening to the sounds of the espresso machines and various orders being called out. It may seem weird, but there’s something oddly motivating about surrounding yourself with other people that are working on their laptops and drinking coffee. This is why the Starbucks on the Cal Lutheran campus is one of my go-to study spots.
#3: Kingsmen ParkÂ
Though it’s really hot currently due to the heatwave, one of my favorite study spots when it’s cooler is to actually sit in Kingsmen Park with my laptop and do some homework on the grass. Sometimes being surrounded by nature can help reduce some stress, and I especially like having the breeze hit me while I work. In later years, I’ve noticed that there are even some chairs out in the park as well, so you don’t have to sit in the grass if it makes your skin itchy. I would highly recommend sitting outside to do homework at least once a week, especially if you have to do some writing for your English classes- nature can even help with writer’s block.
Though I’ve only listed my top three favorites here, there are plenty of other places to study on campus besides studying in your dorm room or in the library. My advice would be to at least try out a new spot sometime during this semester- who knows, you might find you’re more productive in a new spot.