Things NOT to Do in the ZSR

For most of you collegietes, this article is probably a no-brainer. However, for those of you underclassmen who have yet to figure out how to navigate the ZSR, this article is a must-read. Not only do you need to know how to get around this labyrinth, you need to know how to behave while you’re studying here. There is no place on campus where you will find more stressed out, sleep-deprived, Starbucks-addicted workaholics. The students working here are already on-edge, obviously have something due, and it’s probably best not to make anyone angry…

We have enough drama at the Forest. Follow these tips to avoid conflict when you need it the least!

1. Don’t talk. Talking too loud…or talking at all (depending on what floor you’re on) is one surefire way to annoy all those people quietly working around you. If you wanted to talk to a friend, why did you come to the ZSR? We have Starbucks, and literally tons of other places on campus for that reason. If your phone rings, answer it in a whisper, tell whoever is on the line to hold on, and walk outside. Or, don’t answer the call…and call them back when you’re outside the building. Do you want everyone sitting around you to hear your phone call conversation, or hear you gossiping about the roommate you can’t stand, or what you did last weekend? With Facebook chat, iMessage, and even g-mail chatting, there are so many ways to talk to people without actually talking. If there’s ever a time and a place where it’s appropriate to be texting the person right beside you…this is it.

                                                                                                                            *Image from Ubyssey.ca 

2. Don’t bring food. Especially anything that is crunchy. It’s understandable that you may be hungry. Brainfood is a necessity when trying to crank out massive amounts of work. However, it’s really just not polite to be chomping away at your lovely meal, in a place where everyone will hear it. If you were thinking about finishing those Moe’s chips or snacking on that apple, I would advise you to think again.
    
3. Don’t Facebook stalk. The odds are that you are sitting someplace where other people can see your computer screen. I’m not going to sit here and pretend that Facebook stalking doesn’t happen…by all of us…but, it’s meant to be done in private. Plus, what if you’re sitting near the person that you’re stalking? Talk about awkward. Also, if you wanted to watch Netflix, you didn’t need to come to the ZSR to do it. Coming to the library to catch up on last week’s episode of Scandal is just strange.

                                                                                                              *Image from Telegraph.co.uk

4. Don’t take anyone’s space or take up too much space. People leave their belongings at a study spot for a reason. They are planning on coming back. When looking for a place to study, you need to look for a tabletop free of other people’s belongings – don’t move someone’s stuff around. Also, if you’re taking up a bunch of space that other people could use…that you don’t actually need, stop. Especially during finals week, when finding an available seat is a challenge in and of itself, don’t be obnoxious in how much space you actually need. If there is an outlet, don’t use both plugs. Do you really need to charge your computer at 98% battery AND your phone at the same time?
    
5. DO bring headphones. This is a must. Some people play Pandora or other music while studying. That’s great. I’m glad it helps you focus. However, if I can hear your music while I’m trying to study, I can’t focus. Also, make sure your music volume isn’t so high that people can hear it through your headphones. Are you trying to go deaf? You’re already studying in complete silence, so I know that the problem isn’t that you’re having trouble hearing the songs…
6. DO bring coughdrops if you’re sick. For more reasons than one. Firstly, colds and viruses are contagious. Secondly, the Atrium echoes, more so than other areas of the library. Are YOU that person who won’t stop coughing? Do you think you’re irritating the people around you with your constant hacking? Wouldn’t you be irritated?