By Carlee Berkenkemper
Elm Staff Writer
If you are a new student to our Washington College community adjusting to campus life or a returning student on the prowl for new study locations, never fear. There is sure to be a place on campus to meet your studying needs.
Perhaps an obvious location for studying, the Clifton M. Miller Library is conveniently located right off the Cater Walk in the heart of campus. If you work best without distractions or noise, the second floor, known as the “quiet floor,” has cubicles as well as chairs, couches, and conference rooms for collaborative work. The Office of Academic Skills is also located on the second floor as well as the Writing Center for their evening hours.
If you work best surrounded by others, there is an array of seating options on the main level, including the new media collaboration space. Along with the Sophie Kerr Café and Newlin Room computer lab, there are many conveniences to studying in the library.
Calling all nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts — studying on the library terrace provides easy access to all of the library’s resources, such as printing, but with the added bonus of a change in scenery.
Junior Shannon Thomas said, “I really like being outside because I find it relaxing. I try to stay out there as long as I can before it gets too cold. Then, in the spring semester as soon as it gets warm enough, I’m sitting out there again.”
You can soak up rays in the sunshine or avoid sunburn under the shade the trees provide. Studying on the terrace also gives you the opportunity for a breath of fresh air after spending the day inside classrooms. “You can just take a second and breathe. I feel like the fresh air is helpful when trying to get work done,” Thomas said.
Another option to consider is studying in the SGA office. Student Government Association President, Senior Nick Gottemoller recommends it, calling the office space his personal favorite place to study.
“Many students don’t know this, but when the door is open, it is open to any student on campus. It’s generally very quiet. We have a conference room, a lot of windows so you get a lot of natural light, and it is overall a really chill environment,” Gottemoller said. The next time that you are in Hodson, be sure to swing by and check the space out.
A favorite for many English majors and book lovers in general, the Rose O’Neill Literary House is a space open to all students.
“I like to study in the Lit House because it is more comfortable than the library for me,” said sophomore Melissa DeFrancesco. “It’s got a lot of natural light and couches and you can make tea which is really nice. I like to be there a lot when it’s raining because it’s cozy. It reminds me of my home,” she said.
From comfortable couches to tables and chairs and even a small office on the third floor, the Lit House is full of options for studying.
If you are more of a science than literature person, perhaps you already know about the advantages of studying in the Toll atrium. There are collaboration spaces with white boards available for all students, and an array of couches and tables. The expansive windows and natural lighting that give the impression of being outside are a draw for many students, particularly when it rains.
Devin Valcich, senior and environmental studies major, said, “I study in the atrium of Toll in part because of all the natural light and big windows, but also because I take a lot of science classes. If I have a question, it’s easy to hunt down professors in the building.”
With so many different kinds of study spaces, there is a perfect fit for everyone’s needs.