Study Spots

With the nearly constant noise of the dorms, the distractions of friends, and the easy access to your bed, your dorm probably is not the best place to study.

Dormlife101 interviewed Cal Poly students who shared their favorite places to cram for a midterm, snuggle with a book, and get a homework done in between classes.

Library Research Assistant Technician Suzy Kopecky said there are amazing study spots in the Robert E. Kennedy Library.

“The ideal study spot depends on what type of noise level you are looking for,” Kopecky said.

If you want a nearly dead quiet environment, the 4th and 5th floors, are the designated quiet floors of the library and they are the best places, she said.

If you want to still enjoy the scenery, try to get a window spot that overlooks campus she said.

If you plan to snack or enjoy a coffee, she said, the second floor is probably the best place.  You can get a drink from Julians and warm up any food in their microwaves.

It is also more of a social environment, so you feel a bit more relaxed, she said.

The atrium located outside in the center of the library is nice alternative to the inside of the library, she said.

In the atrium you can enjoy the fresh air and enjoy the furniture that was just put in last summer, Kopecky said.

“The atrium is so comfortable and peaceful that it is a really soothing environment to study in,” she said.

Alex Yates Robinson, junior Industrial Technician major, enjoys studying on Dexter Lawn, she said.

I study there about 2-3 times a week, she said.

“It’s generally quiet and with nice weather,” she said. “And I don’t like being indoors.”

My other favorite place to study is Montanna De Oro because it is beautiful and quiet, and rarely gets crowded, even on the busiest weekends, she said.

Kendall Price, freshman, uses the Sierra Madre study lounge to her advantage.

I study there almost every day, she said.

“I can focus there better in my room because their are fewer distractions,” she said.  “And it’s clean here.”

I prefer the desks to the tables because they are more secluded, she said.

“The desks are your own personal space, as opposed the tables upstairs that you have to share with other people,” she said.

Jessica Wallace, freshman fruit science major, studies in the University Union in between classes about 3-4 times a week.

In the UU students can study in the action-packed upstairs lobby, or in the 24 hour quiet study lounge.

“I like studying in the UU because if I need the quiet, I can study in the quiet study lounge, or if I feel like meeting people, I can study in the other areas,” she said.

The UU has tables and couches that provide a lot of room for people to study, she said.

“It always has a lot of people, so it’s kind of lively,” she said. “But it’s still inside so you can do you work.”