Professors say that for every hour spent in class, one should spend two hours studying. Theoretically, then, a 12-hour course load should result in 24 hours spent studying.
However, distractions such as friends next door, video games, social media and restaurants that stay open until 3 a.m. may disrupt even the best student’s study efforts.
If the dorm room or residence hall study lounge is not helping with concentration, never fear, because homework hotspots are here.
The Front Room, 1 Park Place
Baker University Center houses offices, conference rooms and a fifth floor filled with rooms to study in, but one of the most popular stops is The Front Room.
The central location plays a large role in how busy it gets during the day, said Joseph Garman, a Front Room employee and junior studying organizational communications.
“During the morning and afternoon, we get swamped with students stopping in before class,” he said. “But it’s really calm toward close.”
The Front Room also hosts multiple events throughout the year.
“I started going to Front Room because I was too lazy to make coffee myself,” said Caitlyn McDaniel, a sophomore studying international studies. “I stayed for the open mic nights, chill atmosphere and convenient location.”
Bobcat Cash and Flex Points can be used to purchase coffee, tea and food.
Donkey Coffee and Espresso, 17 1/2 W. Washington St.
If coffee shops sound like a good idea but a rush of students does not, Donkey Coffee and Espresso is an ideal stop.
Hot drinks, cold drinks and locally-grown food products are sold, and the late hours are convenient for students, said Robert Burke, a sophomore studying international studies.
“I’m usually at Donkey more than a couple of times a week and take advantage of the hours,” he said.
Many people frequent Donkey often and it becomes a family, said Christina Snyder, a Donkey barista and a senior studying commercial photography.
“Donkey is like a living room with friends and caffeine,” she said.
Donkey has a first floor where open mic and small shows are held. It also has a second floor and upstairs outdoor patio.
Alden Library
Alden Library offers seven floors of reference desks, computers, books and study rooms to help students focus.
Although the floors are open during different hours, the second floor is open 24/7 during the week for those students who need all night to get work done.
Students should take advantage of everything that the library offers, said Brooke Hawthorne, a fifth-year senior studying biological sciences.
“I use the books on reserve to save money on my textbooks,” Hawthorne said. “You check the book out for two hours, and it offers you an incentive to get work done.”
Hawthorne said she frequents the library often and considers herself a regular.
“I try to go to the library before noon on the weekends because not many people are around, and I can get most of my work done in the quiet study rooms,” she said.
The sixth and seventh floors are dedicated to quiet study, and the atmosphere helps to limit distractions, said Patrick Wright, a library reference assistant and a 2012 political science and economics graduate.
Academic and Research Center (ARC)
ARC houses the majority of the Russ College School of Engineering classes, but when classes aren’t in session, many students take advantage of the space available.
Many students frequent ARC because it is an overall great place to study, said Joe Srebernak, a senior studying mechanical engineering.
“I normally study in the ARC four to six days per week because it’s open 24/7, typically very quiet, there are many private rooms and the café has great coffee,” he said.
ARC offers students a sense of focus, added Shelby Wilson, a sophomore studying civil engineering.
“It has good Internet connection as well as plenty of seats and tables,” Wilson said. “The best time to go is either the middle of the day when the café is open or past 7 p.m.”
ao007510@ohiou.edu
HOURS OF OPERATION
The Front Room
7:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday–Thursday
7:30 a.m.–midnight Friday
8:30 a.m.–midnight Saturday
10 a.m.–8 p.m. Sunday
Donkey Coffee and Espresso
7 a.m.–12:30 a.m. Monday-Friday
8 a.m.–12:30 a.m. Saturday-Sunday
Alden Library
Learning Commons
Open 24/7 Monday–Friday
10 a.m.–12 a.m. Saturday
12 p.m.–12 a.m. Sunday
*subject to change
