A great study session needs to be in a great study spot. A space that is quiet, comfy, well-lit and (preferably) serves coffee will have you 'locked in' before the work even starts. Luckily, there are amazing spots on and around the OU campus which make studying almost enjoyable.
Alden Library is an obvious choice, but not all seven floors are made equally. The second and fourth floors are often noisier, as they are the two main floors. The first floor has a chilling, unfinished basement ambiance.
The fifth floor of Alden is undoubtedly the best. Somewhat overlooked by students, this floor is almost always silent and feels a little more private. There are large tables for group studying, but even better are the single-cubicle desks with privacy walls. It's almost impossible to leave the fifth floor without accomplishing more than expected.
Jefferson Hall offers renovated study rooms on the first floor that all students can take advantage of. The location is perfect for East Green residents who don’t feel like struggling up the hills to get to Alden or Baker Center, and Jefferson Market is great for study snacks.
Jefferson also has some outdoor seating near the market, where students can set up camp on some comfy patio furniture. Sometimes, music can be heard from Glidden Hall across the street, adding a calm soundtrack to a perfect study session.
Front Room Coffeehouse is a great study spot for a more lively coffee shop ambiance. The drinks are good and there is a lot of space to spread out by yourself or with friends. Plus, the outdoor spots are perfect for warm fall or spring days.
Nature lovers and fresh-air seekers will adore Emeriti Park. Students can hammock, sit on benches or lay a blanket next to the beautiful pond. The quiet white noise from the pond's fountains and limited distractions make it a perfect spot to focus.
Alternatively, Scripps Amphitheater also offers nature’s peace and quiet. Right next to Alden, it serves as a nice change of scenery from the noisy, sometimes stuffy, building. Students have plenty of space on the steps to spread out a blanket and get serious under a blue sky.
For getting some time away from campus, students can walk to Donkey Coffee and Espresso, located at 17 W. Washington St. With two floors of cozy, dimly-lit seating and a wide array of drinks, it's easy to spend hours here. The coffeeshop is also open late, even during finals week, so there's no excuse for leaving with unfinished assignments.
If none of these sound enticing enough to brave a cold Athens winter, most of the dorm halls have study rooms for residents. While they may not be the most charming rooms, they at least provide a private space without distractions, so it's still a good alternative to the dorm desks.
As the fall semester opens, explore campus to experience all of the study spots that OU has to offer. By the time finals week creeps up, the daunting work accompanying it will seem more manageable when you know exactly where to go to do the best work.
Kenzie Shuman is a sophomore studying Journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Kenzie know by emailing her at ms667222@ohio.edu or messaging her on Instagram @zieshuman.
