Great Places to Study Around Campus
It’s nearing that time of year again…I’m talking about finals week, the stress it brings, the amount of studying it inspires. Key to success is finding a place you feel comfortable and motivated to study. For some odd reasons, people study better in different conditions. Some people enjoy the background noise of others studying and discussing their finals woes while others can only concentrate in absolute silence. Here’s a guide to some of my favorite study spots around Vanderbilt’s campus!
Central Library – If you want a variety of options available check out the Jean & Alexander Heard Library. There are dead quiet areas from personal armchairs to big community tables to exclusive cubicles to computer labs and conference rooms you can reserve ahead of time or get lucky and find empty to have group study sessions in. The Food for Thought Cafe is also there to serve full meals, sweet snacks, and caffeinated beverages!
Biomedical Library – For a more serious air, but still the silent atmosphere go to the Eskind Biomedical Library where you can print your super long papers for free (as long as they’re not more than 30 pages!), study and snack at individual tables, or head to cubicles that are actually reserved for medical students. It’s more intimate, more serious, and less crowded…usually.
The Commons – If you’re a freshman or happen to be on Peabody Campus, head over to the Commons Center for some loud dining room studying or conference room silence/group study. There is also food at the Munchie Mart 24/7 for some late night study snacks!
Rand – If you want some (or more) background noise due to other students studying/chatting/eating/whatever-ing…go to Rand Dining Center. There are 2-, 4-, and 6-person tables to accommodate any individual to group studying needs. If you have more people, just push some tables together! This area is crowded during the day with numbers that dwindle as it gets later. While the noise of others can sometimes be distracting it is also a nice break from a super silent study session and can be a good alternative depending on your mood!
Baseball Glove Lounge – The Baseball Glove Lounge is located in Sarratt Student Center and is the Rand (see above) alternative to studying in that area of campus. It is silent in here, and the silence is enforced by the students, not some wandering librarian. If you whisper too loudly to someone sitting next to you, expect glares! It’s a harsh atmosphere, but it’s intimidating enough to make you study!
Cohen Art Museum – Located on Peabody Campus next to North House, Cohen has classrooms where you can project PowerPoints or practice exams and comfy armchairs to study in. It also sports a few vending machines, super comfortable couches to nap on, and a wonderful display of artwork for a study break stroll through the building.
Happy Studying!