Ladies and gentlemen: welcome back! Summer has flown by and it is fall again, time to settle back in to life on the hill; time to reconvene old routines and maybe form some new ones as well. Maybe you have your favorite schedule of “Bob’s for breakfast, Foss for lunch, and Dana for dinner;” maybe you play a sport and return to daily practices. One of the most important of these practices is the habit of study. As classes stutter into action, it is important to find a work schedule that fits your needs: When do you study? How do you study? And most importantly, Where do you study? The obvious answers, of course, are in your dorm room or at the Library. Her Campus, however, has come up with a few alternative spots both on and off campus that might help freshen up what can become an increasingly dull routine.
The Waterville public library, located on 73 Elm Street, offers a variation on the studying experience you might find in Miller, Olin, or Bixler. Large quiet tables offer plenty of space without the crowd and noise of surrounding friends and peers. Monday –Friday it is open from 10am to 7pm, and on Saturdays it is open until 3pm. Another option is the Starbucks off of Maine Street, near Wallmart. Grab a coffee or iced tea and sit in a comfy chair while you read or write a paper. It’s a great way to unwind and be productive at the same time, and helps get in that extra caffeine fix.
If you like a more unique experience, explore Selah Tea Café. Located on 177 Main Street, this shop specializes in “tea infusion,” and also serves coffee and homemade pastries and sandwiches. It’s a great way to escape from the bustle of life on the hill.
If you prefer to remain on campus, of course, there are also plenty of options. The picnic tables on the far side of Johnson pond are a great place to do work on a nice day; there are also Adirondack chairs and tables in front of the admissions building. The balcony in Pulver is an indoor option for a less populated studying experience.
Whatever your studying preferences may be, there are plenty of options available to shake up the routine and keep things fresh. There are probably many more spots that Her Campus doesn’t even know about! Here’s a hint: stumble upon your own little corner (perhaps a dorm lounge or a cool café in town) and keep it for yourself! Take the time to consider how you study best, and look around to find ways to make that happen. It might make all the difference.