Be sure to follow the rules and pick up after yourself because nobody wants to deal with your garbage. If someone is already in the study room, that’s okay! This spot can handle two intellectuals. If there is no more room, you can always hang out in the common area nearby.

The best part about the secret study closet is that it is secluded and quiet. I don’t know about you, but I love a good cave to hide in. There is also an entire library’s worth of books in there, so if you need reference material, look no further!

If you are an English major, come check this study spot out! Not an English major? Bummer, dude. Read this previous article from “The Hilltop Monitor” for ideas on other places to study: 

Here’s a tip: make friends with an English major and maybe they will let you have VIP visitor access! 

Third floor – Pryor Learning Commons

Pryor Learning Commons’ third floor may be the most well-known studying spot on campus. This space features collaborative seating areas, two sound-proof conference rooms and a coffee shop, The Beak. With floor-to-ceiling windows facing East and West, the area is illuminated by the morning’s soft yellow glow and the afternoon’s warm orange tint. Located just off the quad, students often use this spot to grab a coffee, chat and relax in-between classes.

Between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. — especially on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays — the floor tends to be bustling with students. Before and after hours, however, the area holds a professionally productive atmosphere with plenty of space and seating for all types of studying styles.

Second floor – Pryor Learning Commons

The second floor of Pryor Learning Commons is a place for when peace and quiet is a necessity for studying. Ubiquitously known as a quiet area, the only sounds that tend to echo the floor are frantic typing, occasional printing and the whispers of those passing by. Although the floor’s muted atmosphere is typically widely respected by students, especially loud chatter from the third floor can bleed in during social hours. As with the third floor, floor-to-ceiling windows line the East wall of this area, allowing students to enjoy natural lighting in the mornings.
The second floor also hosts part of the Critical Foundations Collections library, from which anyone can pick up a book and start reading. Conference rooms and staff offices border the West wall, and an impressive variety of seating arrangements divides the floor. Daytime or nighttime, the second floor is a favorite among students looking to cram with no distractions.

Biochem Library – White Science Center

A hidden gem in White Science Center, the Biochem Library is the epitome of cozy and productive. Although the room is primarily used by STEM students, those of all majors may find themselves paying the library a visit from time to time. Located on the first floor, next to Lecture Hall 107, the library is just a short walk away from the department’s professor offices and labs. While students are allowed to open the windows, noise from the faculty parking lot, construction zone and football field tends to reverberate into the room.

In collaboration with Tri-Beta, the Biology department cultivates an array of plants upon the east-facing window sills, adding to the room’s feng shui. Currently, the science departments are working on updating the library this fall by trimming their massive textbook selection and introducing a new carpet; they hope students and faculty can better utilize this area following the renovations.

Physics Lounge – White Science Center

As one of the newer additions to White Science Center, the Physics Lounge is a popular study spot on campus. Students often meet with physics professors in this area — on account that their offices line the East wall. With comfortable couches amidst traditional tables and chairs, students can take advantage of the lounge’s versatility as a collaborative environment or individual study space. However, with the west wall made entirely of glass, the lounge is not free from distraction as students funnel in and out of the nearby lecture room WSC 304. 

Regardless, the space is a favorite for campus organizations looking to hold collaborative sessions, such as for the weekly “Physics Minute” meetings hosted by the Physics Department.

IdeaX Lounge – Jewell Hall

Unknown to many, the IdeaX Lounge in Jewell Hall was designed with collaborative study in mind. Featuring comfortable seating and plenty of outlets, students often use this space for work-focused meetings and study sessions. Although the room’s three televisions are not set up, students can still utilize the whiteboard walls, multiple seating areas and surplus of outlets. The lounge’s couches and chairs are movable, so students can be sure that they can arrange the room as needed.

Compared to last year, not as many students have been seen using the lounge. As an added bonus, students can reserve this room via 25Live for organization meetings or set study times.

Second Floor – The Union

The second floor of the Union is more of a social study area, but nevertheless, it remains an excellent place to hold study groups or conduct meetings. Connecting to the Union’s atrium, the area’s classy atmosphere tends to suffer during lunch and dinner hours as students bustle in and out of the cafeteria. However, many students may enjoy the openness of the floor, multiple seating sections and ambient music outside of dining hours. With its obvious proximity to the cafeteria, many student groups choose to hold informal lunch meetings during Jewell time on this floor to avoid unnecessarily long walks to the PLC.

Around the corner of the seating areas lies the Multicultural room, the Career Development office and one of the nicest restrooms on campus. The Multicultural room serves as a safe space for student organizations dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusivity at Jewell; often the room is used for recurring meetings such as for BSA, Mi Gente, QUILTBAG and GIFT. Students are welcome to study, socialize and support each other in the Multicultural room as long as they leave the area tidy.

Outside – The Quad

As the weather cools down, studying outside proves to be a popular option among students. At all hours of the day, students can be seen occupying the benches, tables and scenic nooks all over The Quad. On nicer days, professors even teach classes outside, pulling a whiteboard in front of the PLC as students sit upon the steps. On hot afternoons, the sun unrelentingly batters The Quad, so students should choose shaded areas or stay hydrated during these hours. Additionally, students with allergies may come to despise the many flowers, plants and grass yards that divide the courtyard; however, when the weather is in the mid-60’s and the sun is peeking through the trees, there is nothing quite like the tranquility of studying alongside nature.

Photos by Liz Payton and Koda Payton.

With Valentine’s Day rapidly approaching, you may be scurrying to woo your loved one. For many college students, this may be a gruesome task. Traditional date ideas are often costly and time-consuming; these are two scarce resources for college students. Valentine’s Day is about showing your significant other how much you care for them and the best way to do so is by trying something new together that caters to your relationship’s individual needs. If you are having a busy week or waiting on your next paycheck, you can still have an exciting and romantic Valentine’s Day with your partner. Here are three time and budget-friendly Valentine’s Day date ideas:

Go to a nice restaurant and order off the kids’ menu

You and your significant other can enjoy a romantic dinner at a nice restaurant without breaking the bank. Make a reservation at your favorite local restaurant and order off the kids’ menu. Although this date idea may seem atypical, it is an amazing opportunity to break the ice and get to know each other or even to strengthen long-lasting bonds. Many times, restaurants will offer the same delicious foods you love for half the price. Luigi’s Italian Restaurant on the square in downtown Liberty is a great restaurant for a kids’ menu date. This restaurant offers classic Italian favorites such as fettuccine alfredo, ravioli, lasagna and spaghetti on their kids’ menu for only seven dollars each, and you won’t be disappointed in the portion sizes. However, if you happen to have room for dessert, they have shareable-sized options such as cheesecake, cannolis and tiramisu for only eight dollars. 

Have a study date

A study date can be great for college students to spend time with their significant other while catching up on their to-do lists. Many of us are finding that multiple exams and due dates for important assignments are being scheduled for early in the week or even on Valentine’s Day. Students may feel they must spend the majority of their time on school and may be lacking time to spend with their partner. If you are experiencing this stress, your partner may be as well. In these situations, there is nothing wrong with connecting with your loved one while being simultaneously productive. 

Study dates can be enjoyed in a variety of different ways and in many places. If the weather is nice, lay a blanket in the grass on the quad any time of day or head to the picnic tables in the butterfly garden at the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. any day of the week. If the day requires a cozy, inside location, head to a coffee shop with a fluffy blanket. The most convenient café is The Beak on the top floor of the PLC but if you are looking to get off campus, Hammerhand in Liberty is always an excellent choice. 

Bring the movie theater experience to your home

Another traditional Valentine’s Day date is a night out at the movies. However, an at-home movie night can be much cozier and a better bonding experience than going to a theater. Instead of remaining silent throughout the movie, you and your loved one can discuss as much as you want.

 Whether you have a television, a computer or your school-issued iPad, you can find a cozy couch or bed and stream movies of any genre. Popular romance movies that you can stream for free include “A Moment in the Reeds” (on Tubi), “A Rainy Day in New York” (on Peacock and Vudu), and “Carol” (on Tubi, Pluto TV, Roku and Vudu).

To make the experience feel even more like a movie theater, purchase snacks to eat during the movie. The Cardinal Store on the Quad-level floor of Curry Hall has great snacks for movie-watching. The snacks are affordable and you can even use your Cardinal Dollars to pay for your purchase.

A night at home watching movies can be the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day in one another’s arms. 

In the days of virtual learning, it’s more important than ever to create a functional space to stay productive and motivated while living at home. Here are five tips to make your space work for you. 

1. Find your space. 

Some people may find they can work anywhere, but if you’re struggling to concentrate, it may help to clearly define the space you work in. Whether you work in your room, your basement or somewhere else, it helps to make your study space separate from the places where you relax and unwind. Having a consistent space to work in can even increase productivity because your brain will come to associate that area with studying. 

2. Set it up.

Once you identify your work space, set it up to maximize productivity. Make sure you have everything you need – like pens, pencils, sticky notes, etc. – nearby. Having everything on hand will keep you from having to take unnecessary breaks to search for something. You should also keep the area as clutter-free as possible to limit distractions and decrease anxiety. 

3. Make it comfortable. 

Let’s be honest, no one wants to spend hours somewhere uncomfortable. By adding pillows to your chair, increasing lighting and putting up pictures or decor that make you happy, you’ll find your study space is somewhere you actually want to go, even if you don’t feel like working. 

4. Keep a schedule. 

Since making the transition to online school, you may find your daily routine has gone out the window. Set up a schedule where you block out the time you study and stick to it. Keeping a daily planner or setting alarms and timers on your phone can help with this. Make sure to plan blocks for when you’ll be working on each class, as well as when you’ll be taking a break. By having a time when you are allowed to step away from studying, you’ll be able to focus more when the time comes to work. 

5. Set up rules. 

While you’re studying, do what you need to limit distractions as much as possible. Figure out if you work best in absolute silence or if you need background noise. Keep your phone in another room if you need to. Setting up rules can also apply to family members, so if you are having to share a space with someone else or if you keep getting distracted by your siblings, let your family know what rules you have and what you need from them. This will give you the privacy and space you need to concentrate on school. 

By making these simple changes, you can create a positive, productive space for yourself to power through the rest of the semester. Focus on what you need, and create the space around that.