With spring semester approaching, I know as well as anyone that it feels almost impossible to find good places on campus to study where there are little distractions and minimal noise. As someone who finds it nearly impossible to study with background noise, it is hard for me to find spots on campus where I can really focus and get work done. Because of this, I have compiled a list of some of my favorite study spots around campus where I feel the most motivated.
1. Dorm or Apartment
One of my favorite places to study is right where I live – my apartment! I like this option because I have my own room in case my roommates are using the common spaces. I have my own desk as well, which is nice because I believe in separating your relaxation space from your work space. Doing work in your bed can be comfy, but I find it hard to relax if I am doing work in the same spot that I lounge in. If you live in a dorm where there is minimal space to yourself, I would always pop in my headphones and listen to a quiet study playlist while getting work done.
2. School Classrooms
This is one of my all-time favorites and often least thought about study spots. Finding an empty classroom is a great way to get a quiet space with minimal distractions. Personally, I usually go to a building that is major-specific to me where I know the room will not be used. This is a good option because there will be no people in the room to distract, and it is a school setting so it’s easy to stay in the work mindset. Many rooms can be reserved or left empty, so it is a good option to get work done for a little while. It’s also a good idea to use spaces that you are familiar with so that come test time, the place you study and place you take the test are similar.
3. Coffee Shops
Like most college students, caffeine is a must for me during study times. Coffee shops are a great place to study because you can have your caffeine as well as a little snack to reward yourself for getting work done. The ambiance in coffee shops are always nice to study in since they have some noise but are quiet enough to where you can focus and get work done.
4. The Library
Although this is the most basic choice on my list, the library is still one of my favorite places to go for studying or group work. There are many rooms which can be reserved either for yourself for quiet study or group work if needed. Also, the library has many places where you can get a little snack or pick-me-up when a break is needed. The library is a great place to go, but with so many students choosing this as their study spot, it allows for more distractions than others mentioned on this list.
These are just a few out of the many places to study on campus that I find the most rewarding when I am studying. This list is not finals week specific either; I have found that these spots around campus help me anytime of the year for any test or project I may be working on. I hope to find more great study spots as I continue my time at MSU!