STORY BY MOLLY LAMOUREUX
Midterms are approaching, and the season is often accompanied by writer’s block and professional levels of procrastination. Want to conquer the midterm-crisis? Find a study spot and make it your own.
The more time spent in a certain place studying, the more it becomes associated with learning and memorization. Over time, you become acclimated to the area and it becomes easier to get things done in that space, according to PsychCentral.com.
Are you reading a textbook? Leave your laptop shut or even at home to avoid being distracted by the Internet. Feeling sleepy? Study outside. The sun gives a good dose of vitamin D, which boosts mood and energy, according to EverdayHealth.com.
Many elements go into the perfect study spot: noise, light, food and drink and even temperature.
There’s no single spot of guaranteed productivity, but there are some spots on and around campus that stand out when it comes to Drake student productivity.
Classroom building lounges, labs and atriums are common spots for studying Bulldogs.
Adam Ussher, a sophomore studying accounting and music, said the Fine Arts Center lounge is his favorite place to get things done.
“I really like the FAC lounge because I can split up homework with practice sessions. When I’m in FAC, I know it’s time to get work done, while in other locations I’ll most likely get distracted,” Ussher said.
Coffee shops are a classic study spot for students looking for some background noise and access to food and drink.
There are a number of cafés close to campus for students to take advantage of — some are in walking distance and some take only a five-minute car ride or DART Bus ride.
Avid Mars Café and Scooter’s Coffee Shop visitor, Corissa Goodrich, is a junior studying sculpture.
“(These places) are quiet, but not sterile. They almost always have comfy seating and good music playlists at a perfect volume,” Goodrich said. She also likes how these two particular establishments are in walking distance from campus.
The second level of Cowles Library appears as one of the most beloved study spot for many Drake students. The different isolated cubicles, open rooms and the glassed-in “fishbowl” give studiers a variety of places to choose from, and they’re all designated “quiet” spaces.
Laura Alexander, a sophomore studying public relations, stumbled upon the quiet level of the library last year by accident.
“It’s a very intimidating room, but at the same time kind of relaxing. It helps clear your mind since there are no distractions,” Alexander said. “Everybody’s kind of doing their own thing.”
Want a more unique place to study? “The Mezzanine,” more commonly referred to as “Upper, Upper Olmsted,” is a small area with limited seating and natural light. It’s a quiet and secluded option, especially great for tasks like reading and writing.
