Best? The Library
The DiMenna-Nyselius Library is a natural reprieve for students during stressful academic periods and to get away from loud roommates. One may think that if the library is the study hotspot on campus, then wouldn’t more people mean more of a distraction? At the Fairfield library, however, there are many quiet locations available for students to study. The upper level of the library is one of the most popular places to focus on studies. The natural light from the skylights and surrounding windows make it a pleasant atmosphere where students are less likely to fall asleep while delving in their academic pursuits. The oversized chairs by the bay windows provide a peaceful atmosphere away from the fine print of books and computer screens. If you want a more secluded environment when studying, individual tables are scattered throughout the library on both the upper and main levels. With the addition of a room called the No Talking Zone, students can get some quality assignments completed in the lower level. If you are feeling more social, the study café is a great place to sit alone, take a snack break or meet with other classmates without disrupting your peers. Whether you prefer some background noise or absolute silence, the library provides many locations suitable for your studying needs.
Worst? The BCC
You have a few hours left to cram for your exam or to catch up on some reading, so you naturally head to the convenient surroundings of the BCC. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to get anything accomplished amidst the usual flow of tours, students rushing to class or FUSA members boisterously greeting one another. Once a student sits down in one of the many comfy, padded chairs in the lower level, he or she becomes victim to people-watching, which usually prompts a phone call or text to a friend to report the latest gossip. Wearing headphones can help to block out WVOF broadcasts or the steady stream of visitors but only if the volume is exceedingly loud. Walk up a few flights of stairs to Jazzman’s and sensory overload kicks in. Students may arrive with the intention of getting a tea or coffee and engrossing themselves in pages of notes before their afternoon class. The high-pitched noise of swiped StagCards in nearby registers coupled with smooth jazz playing over the sound system make it difficult to focus. As the level of frustration increases, so does the temptation to check one’s e-mail on the nearby computers or buy more food. Both are convenient deterrents from original study plans.
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