The Daily Collegian

Issue date: 9/3/08 Section: Editorial / Opinion

Days of waking up to a dark room that feels like a refrigerator, and long nights of studying like mad are approaching. What can you do to make this year different, better? First: to learn, your basic needs must be met. You can't study without being reasonably comfortable, and most of us need some sort of desk to do it. Also, you've got to eat before you start. You won't be able to study for long if all you can think about is eating a sandwich. Now, where should you go to study? A common mantra among the real estate crowd, "location, location, location" is not just for homes anymore. When it comes to studying effectively, location plays an enormous role. Dorms and apartments are distracting. The less stuff you have around to interest you, the better off you'll be. Moreover, studies have shown that working in or on the same bed you sleep in can make it harder to fall asleep later when it's actually time for some shut eye. Everyone knows that the library is the place to go to study, but a general game plan must be developed too. Stocking your bag with the right writing utensils and snacks to boost waning blood sugar and morale as needed, is a key. A bathroom not too far away is a must, as long trips to find one can ruin your concentration. It is good to bring a friend, to serve as a constant reminder that you are there to study. My favorite place to really get something done is the second floor of the library. One of the two quiet floors - the other being the third floor - the second floor boasts a fully-functioning women's bathroom and a questionable men's bathroom. Additionally, the desks are nice, the chairs pretty comfortable and the atmosphere decidedly studious. There are no doubt times when people disrespect the quiet rule, but nothing is perfect. Unfortunately, many share this affinity for the second floor, and during peak study hours and especially during finals, the desks fill up surprisingly quickly. To the rescue comes the third floor. Though not as well-lit and comfortable as the second, and also a more of a trek, the third floor stands a greater chance of vacancy. For research papers and for anyone who prefers to study alone, the upper floors of the library reign supreme. There are rows and rows of books around you, and it is very quiet. It's easy to sink into your own little world, and get things done. However, it is important to remember that at a certain height, wireless internet becomes unreliable. Macs can usually capture the signal up into the twentieth floors, but PCs are not usually so lucky. Staying in the teens is probably preferable for this reason, and also, in case of a fire.

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