BEST OF THE BEST: Places to Study

by Erika Fifelski

Three main things -- sleeping, eating and studying -- encompass the life of most college students. Since how to stay awake and where to find the best food have been covered, I’m here now to suggest the ideal study locations.

The Library
The first floor of the MSU Llibrary is often as much about socializing as studying. Yes, it offers a Sparty’s coffee shop and the Writing Center, but it can sometimes be too distracting to get any work done. So head up to the second floor where you will find an atmosphere conducive to filling your brain with biochemistry or Spanish vocab. If your work requires research, computers line the walls. The library is open 24 hours a day,
conveniently catering to all nighters.

The Union
The Student Union is a hub for many campus activities and special events. It has offered everything from a poster sale to Green and White craft night. The first floor is also home to the newest MSU Dairy Store and the food court. Something that sometimes goes unnoticed, however, is the study lounge on the third floor. For those of you looking for a secluded location, this lounge provides a quiet hideaway. It offers a few computers and large tables (ideal for the times when the pages of a research paper require an entire table). Keep in mind, the Union is “Open ‘til 2 for U!”

The main floor of the Union is home to the Women’s Study Lounge. It’s a common gathering spot for those who wish to study without the distraction of our gentlemen colleagues or when you simply want to take a nap.

On the Banks of the Red Cedar
When the forecast is sunny with a high of 75, our beloved river attracts students from all over campus. A common area to study is behind the Administration Building (more importantly, near the ducks). It’s also easy to find a quiet bench or tree to call your own. If you don’t mind the occasional bug in your course pack or the light breeze that carries your math homework a few feet downwind, studying outside is perfect. The fresh air and natural ambience can be therapeutic.

Your Dorm Room
The inclination to stay in to study naturally appeals to students. This can be dangerous. The dorms not only house more than 14,000 MSU students, they also house distractions like computers and the Internet, TV, DVD’s, various video games, sleep and friends It may seem like a good idea at first to lie on the bottom bunk to finish up a paper, but when you wake up with ink and your thesis sentence on your forehead, you may regret your decision.

There is WiFi all over campus. Pick up your laptop and books and find a place that will motivate you to get work done instead of having the best intention of doing it during the commercials.