Productivity Starts at Your Favorite Study Spot 

Now that everyone is in the swing of things with the beginning of the spring semester, I think it is important to talk about some good study spaces on, around, or away from campus. After almost four years here, I understand how it feels to be sitting in your room or the library and just hating it. After so many hours in the same space, it is easy for your mind to wander and for you to lose focus. I know the feeling of just needing to get out of my room all too well, even when I didn’t have a goal of where to go after I left it. That’s what this blog is all about! I am here to recommend some places for you to go when you get that same feeling of just needing to get out of your room or leave the study space you have been in for hours or weeks. 

Now, if you are the type of person who loves to be in the same spot all of the time, you might think this blog isn’t for you. I know plenty of people who have a very strict study routine: trying to get the same seat in the library during the same hours of the day and putting on headphones. Almost like a study ritual to get you in the zone before you start. If you are able to identify a space like this that works for you, that is incredible! There is definitely evidence that shows you should have a space for everything you do, and doing that is what helps you stay focused. It is also why you should never do homework in your bed! Your brain will begin to confuse your bed with the act of sleep and productivity, and eventually, you may not be able to do either of those things to the best of your ability. But, I urge you to bear with me. If you don’t need to discover a new study space, maybe this blog can show you some new places to relax and recharge or maybe connect with friends while you aren’t working. 

I’ll begin with my on-campus recommendations. First and foremost, the library study rooms are absolutely incredible. You get a great view of nature, plenty of natural light to keep you motivated, and a huge whiteboard to work through all of your thoughts. You can reserve these rooms on Libcal up to two weeks ahead of time! Which is perfect for planning ahead for busy finals weeks. They have large tables if you want to have a focused study group where talking is allowed (you should not be speaking throughout the rest of the library). 

Secondly, Easton Cafe is the perfect place to go if it’s nice out and you want to get some fresh air. There are plenty of tables that can be moved around to create study groups of your liking and Starbucks is right there for some convenient study session caffeine. You can be collaborative in this space or use it to take a break when you need to, making it the true perfect spot on campus. 

For our last on-campus spot, I want to bring up the tables inside the Chat. If you are able to study and focus even with other people around, or maybe you are the type of person who needs people around to hold them accountable, this could be the perfect place for you. The beauty of these tables is that they are the perfect height to stand at! I have definitely taken advantage of these tables, especially in between my classes, when I just need somewhere to stand but still want to get some work done. Don’t overlook them! 

I also understand that sometimes, you just need to get off campus. It can be tiring being here 24/7 and it can be a nice mental break to get away for a few hours. If that sounds like you, I completely understand and frequently feel the same way. I have a few of my favorite study spots listed below for you to check out! The vibes are great, the food is energizing, and my productivity is always amazing when I venture off campus to these locations. 

I hope during your time at Arcadia you are able to check out some of these spots and find as much joy in them as I do. Getting through long study hours truly is what you make of it, and I have always found a new environment or handmade coffee to make it just a little more enjoyable!