Studying in the library can get a little boring. The unforgivingly tall bookshelves, the deafeningly silent floors, and the extremely focused students bent over piles of books and flashcards can get a little intimidating. Sometimes a change of scenery, pace, and environment is all a student needs to get that A. Everyone is different in their study habits, including the environment they prefer to study in. It’s good to know your choices for whenever the library seems a little daunting.
Here are some places around campus that are great study spots, for whatever mood you’re in.
1. Bear Necessities
When I say ‘Bear Necessities’ I do not mean the small grocery store itself. I’m referring to the area around it. This area has two levels of seating, including comfy couches, and is located just past the mail room in the CSC. It’s usually quiet with a little bit of bustle so it doesn’t feel like a ghost town. If you ever need a snack break, Bear Necessities and vending machines are waiting right there for you. There are also round tables, if you ever want to study in a group or with other people.
2. The University Center
There’s more to Mercer’s multi-faceted beauty of a building than just the gym and Subway. Past the food court and before Hawkins Arena are wonderfully placed rows of cushy chairs and tables overlooking the swimming pool. This place actually has a name. I’m serious. No one knows this, but it’s named The Barkley Study Lounge, after the donors. There’s a plaque to prove it. This area is great if you prefer a lot of bustle and background noise. It’s perfect for group study sessions, because there is no fear of being too loud. And once again, you’re close to food. Always be close to food.
3. Jittery Joe’s
If you haven’t been to Jittery Joe’s in Mercer Village, you’re not getting the full Mercer experience. Even if you’re not a hardcore coffee drinker, they have tasty iced teas, soft cookies, an assortment of muffins and bagels, and other pastries to satisfy any sweet tooth. Not to mention the ambiance is made for working. With soft indie soundtracks crooning in your ear, you’ll not just be working beside Mercer students, but beside people outside our bubble. You can’t help but soak in the productivity. Jittery Joe’s has long hours on week days, so it’s convenient if you ever want to pop in for late-night studying or paper-writing.
4. Cruz Plaza
If you like being outside, Cruz is a great place to study. Cruz is outfitted with several tables and chairs, all shielded underneath god-sized bright orange umbrellas. There’s no debating those umbrellas belong to Mercer. You get a beautiful view of the center of campus and it’s the perfect place to catch some of nice weather while it’s still around. Sometimes the tables and chairs fill up fast, but this is definitely one of the more relaxing options.
5. Tattnall Square Park
This last option is not technically on campus, but if you really need to get away there is a huge park at your disposal. Nestled between College and Adams streets is a sanctuary of green space, with enough shade if it gets too hot. Again, it’s the perfect place to chill on a blanket in the grass and take advantage of the warm weather while it lasts. You get a beautiful view of Willingham and the administration building, not to mention a playground . . . with swings!
While the library may be the go-to place for studying, it’s always nice knowing you are not bound to one spot. It’s good to change it up every once in a while. You might even find one of these places becoming your favorite.
All photos were taken by Alina Yemelyanov