Students can frequent a mix of community establishments and university buildings when looking for study locations during exam week.
To get away from the hustle and bustle of the typical university study spots, Alyssa Stegmaier isolates herself in empty classrooms.
"I actually really, really like to study in classrooms in buildings that are empty, just by myself," Stegmaier, a sophomore studying communications in public advocacy, said.
The classrooms offer a quiet place where she can use the dry-erase board, the chalk board and other materials without distraction.
"The classroom is (for) quiet, intensive study," she said.
When classrooms are locked, she opts for locations such as Front Room or Donkey Coffee and Espresso. When her work load isn't as heavy, she enjoys the more popular spots.
"(Front Room is for) if I get bored or lonely," she said. "Other people are here. It helps me with my (extraversion)."
But most students don't require such unconventional study habits. From Athens Uptown to on campus, here are some of Ohio University students’ favorite study spots for finals week:
Alden Library
Alden Library will remain a frequented study spot as finals week approaches. Armed with caffeine from Café Bibliotech and their study materials, students can take advantage of the quiet atmosphere.
Alden will also offer extended hours throughout the week:
The 2nd floor Learning Commons will continue to be open 24 hours a day for all-night study sessions
The 5th floor Music and Dance Library will be open until 11 p.m. through Thursday, Dec. 10
All other floors will close at 2 a.m, Sunday through Wednesday, Dec. 9, and 12 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10.
Brittany McAlpine, a senior studying classics, spends the majority of her time between classes at the library.
“It’s just easier to come in here than to walk to Front Room or anything, and it’s less distracting,” McAlpine said.
Alden will be hosting study break events throughout the week. “Final Bites Coffee & Doughnuts” will revisit the tradition of providing free finals sustenance to the 2nd floor on Monday morning at 2 a.m. The “Therapy Dog” event will bring Bullet, a golden retriever, to the Friends of the Libraries Room on Tuesday to give students an opportunity to relax with man’s best friend. “Button Making” will allow studiers to step away from their textbooks and get creative. Those participating in the “Pop-up Book Touch Lab,” which will be led by Special Collections Librarian Miriam Intrator on Wednesday, will get the chance to explore the more rare offerings of the Libraries’ Special Collections.
All week long Alden is encouraging students to share their favorite library study spot, tagging @AldenLibrary and #FinalsAtAlden, for a chance to win a free drink at any Culinary Services cafe. Students can also exercise their creativity with coloring on the 2nd floor.
“I think (the events will) be really helpful for students who may get stressed out during finals,” McAlpine said.
Donkey Coffee and Espresso, 17 W. Washington St.
Donkey Coffee will once again be extending its 24-hour service this finals week.
Janice Brewer, a senior studying specialized studies in sustainable food systems, frequents Donkey Coffee in her pursuit of study sanctuary.
“I do prefer it, depending on how much homework I need to get done, because sometimes it’s very social,” Brewer said. “But that’s good for breaks.”
The extended hours provide students with a place to hunker down and grab a cup of coffee. The hours also offer a unique perk to off-campus students such as Brewer.
“Since I live a little bit out of town, it’s helpful because I can stay on campus for longer and be more productive,” Brewer said.
The shop’s fair trade brews are a deciding factor for ethically conscious patrons.
“(Donkey’s ethical practice) helps in deciding where I want to buy coffee to keep the flow going,” she said.
Baker University Center
Baker Center’s ample seating throughout all floors and the Bobcat Student Lounge offers areas for students to study between classes.
The Front Room, a coffeehouse located on the fourth floor of Baker, has Starbucks coffee with the convenient use of Bobcat Cash and Flex Points.
Samantha Mahakian, a senior studying marketing, visits Front Room for her studying needs.
“I love Front Room because they have Starbucks coffee,” Mahakian said.
She says she dislikes the library due to the silence, and the bustle of Front Room suits her.
“I like people around me,” she said.
Academic Buildings
Students can choose to utilize the university’s various academic buildings, such as the Schoonover Center or Academic and Research Center. Comfy couches and tables can be used for both individual and group study. Study rooms are also available for group study in several academic buildings.
@graceoliviahill
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