It’s week five and everyone is scrambling to find a spot to study with midterms and finals quickly approaching. I know personally that Thompson library (even though I LOVE studying there!) is the most difficult place to find a spot. Thompson is always packed and going floor-to-floor trying to find a spot is extremely stressful. Even worse is when walking through the library trying to find a seat, all you see are people at tables either sleeping, talking, or on Facebook! So, because of the repeated difficulty in finding a seat, I decided to adventure around campus to find different places to study. I know I need a relatively quite place along with a good Pandora playlist in order to focus on studying, so assuming you are the same, here are my three favorite alternative places to study:
1. Starbucks: Okay, so I am slightly obsessed with Starbucks and getting a coffee or tea from there makes my day. Besides their awesome drinks, I have realized that Starbucks is also a great atmosphere for studying. I rarely have a difficult time finding a spot to study there, since most people venture to the library. With Internet access, spacious tables and drinks at your disposal, Starbucks is hands down my favorite place to study. It is rarely too loud to study and even if it is a little loud, headphones are enough to block the noise. I spend most of my time studying there and mostly everyone in the coffee shop is doing the same thing. Who doesn’t want to study and be able to get coffee every time you finish a cup? Also, Starbucks has an iPhone application that you can put gift cards on while accruing points towards free drinks!
2. Biological Studies Building: Most people probably have not been to this building unless they are a bio studies major. I am not a bio major, but I like to study in this building because I am always able to get work done there. Anyone can study in this building, regardless of your major, and there is a parking garage across from the building so you can even drive there if you want. The building is by the Medical Center and has a study area when you first walk in, a lounge and a library. I randomly have my Italian class in the building and with the class being everyday, I come to this building to study before and sometimes even stay after class. It is fairly quiet and is usually not crowded. Conveniently next to the building is Brennen’s Café, which is also one of my favorites. The café is also a good place to study if you need a change in environment and is not usually crowded unless it is around lunchtime.
3. Wexner Center for The Ar: Most people are not familiar with the Wexner Center and that is what makes it an ideal place to study. The Wexner Center is on North High St. and is next to Page Hall. Inside the building there are many spots where you can study—and if you get hungry or need that coffee refill, you can check out their Heirloom Café downstairs. The food is pretty good and Buck IDs are accepted as an added convenience. Besides the large amount of space, the center is also a great spot to get your creative side going and to surround yourself with art while studying!
Along with a good place to study, the right playlist is a must. Here is my favorite study playlist:
1. Black Balloon, by the Goo Goo Dolls
2. Breakdown, by Jack Johnson
3. Constellations, by Jack Johnson
4. Gravity, by John Mayer
5. Stop This Train, by John Mayer
6. Crash Into Me, by the Dave Matthews Band
7. American Baby, by the Dave Matthews Band
8. Satellite, by the Dave Matthews Band
9. Use Somebody, by Kings of Leon
10. She Is, by The Fray
Picture 1 Source: http://brallizdaily.blogspot.com/2011/01/starbucks-love.html
Picture 2 Source: http://www.osu.edu/download/gallery.php?img=15
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at OSU chapter.
