One of the biggest things I had to learn when I got to college was how to study. Like, really study. Because when you’re in upper-level language classes and classes in subjects you’ve never studied before, you’re going to need to do a lot more than just the homework if you want an A. And even on a relatively small campus like Brandeis, there are so many places to get your work done that it can get overwhelming, even when you know the environment you want. Here’s an overview of a bunch of the study spaces Brandeis has to offer, and what you can expect from each of them:
THE LIBRARY
The library is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a study space, and for good reason. There are a ton of study options here, for a ton of different lifestyles and preferences.
Farber 1 is by far the most social space in the library, which is probably the biggest downside, but it has plenty of perks to offer, too. It has outlets and lights at every desk, comfortable chairs, and there’s a Starbucks on-site. If you can handle the noise or have noise-cancelling headphones, it’s a great place to work. Farber Mezz is also close to the Starbucks and is a little quieter, but it isn’t quite as comfy as Farber 1. Goldfarb 1 offers another social environment, with the computer room and plenty of tables near the windows that are geared toward group projects and group study.
If you’re looking for a quieter environment, Goldfarb Mezz has the Judaica Reading Room (though be warned, it doesn’t have easily accessible outlets) as well as tables around the floor. And of course, there’s the Dungeon in Goldfarb 3, which has recently been revamped to provide better lighting and more outlets. Though those are the only two areas that are specially designated for quiet study, any space on the lower floors of the library will be pretty quiet (I personally like studying in Farber 3, where the music scores are, but I also read scores to procrastinate more than I should, so maybe it’s not actually a great idea.)
THE SCC
Like the library, the SCC also has a lot of different study environments to offer.
If you can handle a more social environment, the tables and chairs in the atrium are there for you to use. They’re right next to Einstein’s, and it’s really easy to study (and talk) with your friends. The tables behind the stairs on the second floor provides a similar, if slightly quieter, experience. And of course, the chairs scattered around the second and third floors are great if you don’t mind not having an actual desk.
If you want somewhere quiet, the SCC library is another place I spend a lot of my time. There are a ton of outlets, desk space is usually easy to come by, and there are computers on the second floor (Remember that there’s a second floor and that it has a nice view!). But watch out, because it’s ALWAYS twenty degrees too hot, no matter what time of year it is. If you go up a floor, the third-floor conference rooms are also a great place to study if they’re available. If the screen next to the door is green, no one has the room reserved, so you’re good to go.
Finally, if you’re able to swipe into one of the secured club rooms, like the WBRS studio or BTV, they can be more private places to study if that’s what you’re looking for.
THE HUMANITIES QUAD
I don’t have any classes up Rabb this semester, so I’m not going up there unless someone carries me. But you do you.
The Mandel atrium (aka the room in Mandel with the cool lights) doesn’t have much in the way of desks or tables, but it has plenty of chairs and some great natural light if you’re just working on your computer or reading. And if you can find the stairs to get up there, there are some tables and chairs on the second floor of Mandel that make for a quiet and more private place to study. There are also outdoor spaces near the Mandel atrium as well as the Mandel rooftop garden!
Outside of Mandel, not all of the classrooms up Rabb are being used at all times, so if there isn’t a class going on, the classroom is yours. It may take some time to get a feel for the schedule, but once you know where to go, you’ll have a quiet place that you can always rely on. (Last semester, whenever I had a Japanese test and would get out of class early, I would go to my next class across the hall and get twenty minutes all to myself!)
OTHER PLACES ON CAMPUS
Even if you aren’t going into science, the SSC has three floors of nice views and plenty of space. People especially recommend going up to the top floor.
If you want to go outside, there are tables outside the library and Sherman, but if you don’t mind not having a table, if the ground is dry, just sit down! I’ve also heard good things about the pond between the chapels.
Your room can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to studying. On one hand, if you’re doing work that would go much better if you’re cosy, like reading a book or watching a movie, there’s no better place to be. (I have to watch My Neighbor Totoro for my Japanese class this week, and that movie requires a warm blanket and a cup of tea.) But on the other hand, if you spend too much time studying in your bed, you might start to associate your bed with work instead of sleep, which will disrupt your sleep schedule. Or you might go to your room to study and end up taking a nap. We’ve all been there.
OFF-CAMPUS
A lot of people don’t consider going off campus to study, but it can be a great way to explore your surroundings, and you might find your new favourite place.
This is such a huge category that I don’t have very many specific recommendations, but I do have a few: The Cambridge Public Library is a fifteen-minute walk away from the Cambridge shuttle stop, and Harvard Yard is right there for when it’s sunny and warm (and you want to live out your Elle Woods/Rory Gilmore dreams). I’ve also spent some time at the Starbucks on Newbury Street in Boston, but it gets crowded very easily and creepy guys have tried to hit on me there, so maybe it’s not the best idea. (But as someone who humble brags about being from Seattle every other minute, it’s worth it to go to an actual Starbucks once in a while.)
So my advice is to take some time to find somewhere you like. There are a ton of coffee shops and cafes within walking distance of the shuttle stops, and public transportation is easy to get to if you want to go farther than that. The city is your playground, and if you want a space the Brandeis campus doesn’t offer, chances are it will be somewhere in Boston.