It’s that time of the year again, and no, I don’t mean holiday season. To a college student the very first snow flurries of winter paired with Christmas music, strings of fairy lights, and ropes of tinsel can only indicate one thing: the onset of finals season. And of course, with finals season comes finals season stress. How to prepare for two presentations when you have four research papers and a chemistry exam as well? And, where to find the best study spot around campus that is both interesting, relaxing, and conducive to actually getting work done? Sadly, I can’t help with the first problem (I’m still working on that one myself) but I do have the answer to the last one. After conducting extensive research (read: experiencing four frantic finals season-induced meltdowns) I have compiled a list of the Top Four absolute best study spots around campus.
The Stern Library
Not exactly the most adventurous area on the list, but still a surprisingly good location. It’s clean, it’s spacious, and most important of all, it’s quiet. True, it’s where you’ll find the largest amount of Stern girls congregating in abject fear of failing grades, but at least everyone congregating there is doing so in silence. Everyone studying in the library is just as stressed out as you are, and so they understand the importance of keeping the library a distraction-free environment. If you want to get the maximum amount of work done in a minimum amount of time, the Stern library is the place to be.
Starbucks
An oldie but a goodie, especially for those who need a little background noise to guide them towards maximum productivity. Grab your oversized glasses, Macbook Air, and the most hipster-y beanie in your wardrobe and head over to the Starbucks of your choice. The ambiance created by the whirring of the coffee machines, the ambiguously chosen music, and the indecipherable chatter of the other coffee addicts (and the free Wi-Fi) have been deliberately calculated to provide inspiration to all the would-be starving artists inhabiting the Starbucks’s hallowed halls. Hey, if it works for them, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t work for you. Besides, it’s still early enough in the holiday season that you can order a pumpkin spice latte to ease you into your study routine.
Times Square
This is a study spot that should probably be saved for warmer weather. But a table in the heart of Times Square is always a great place to gain inspiration for the last minute English paper or creative writing piece. The people-watching view is spectacular, and there is always something exciting going on to cure your writer’s block. Walk along Broadway and stake out a table, or if you can’t find a place to sit, just head over to any of its closest attractions like Bryant Park or the steps of the New York Public Library.
Hotel Lounge
This option is for the truly adventurous, or those just itching to relive their last, disastrous shidduch date. The décor is specifically chosen to put you at ease, and the couches are always comfortable. There are plenty of local places to choose from, though the Ace Hotel lobby, conveniently located near the dorms and with gourmet coffee inside, is my top recommendation. I’d recommend staying away from the bar, though, no matter how hard orgo gets.
Of course, if none of these options tickle your fancy, there are plenty more study spots just waiting to be discovered. Go find them, and then share them with the rest of us stressed out Stern girls. Happy finals season, and best of luck to you!