Where do you go to hunker down and study during cold, snowy days on campus? There are a number of answers to this question that lie within the warmer indoor options offered on campus.

The Blue Bean Café, the High Library, the Birdcage and one’s dorm room are some of the many places where one can go to study on campus. First-year students Katherine Campbell, Nicole Pellegrini and Emily Norton have some varying opinions on this topic.

The three had differing opinions on where the best place to study is when the weather is so blustery. Campbell said, “I like the Birdcage; there are lots of couches.” She said she likes this location because there is “sunlight” and “it doesn’t get as stuffy as the library.” The Birdcage offers a more open space to study.

Pellegrini’s answer was completely different; she prefers to study in her room. Pellegrini said her room is “warm, cozy and quiet.” Dorm rooms make for a great personalized study space with everything you need for successful studying nearby.

Norton likes to be out of her room just as Campbell does. But Norton chooses a different location outside her room. She would rather study in the Blue Bean. She said she likes the Blue Bean because “it’s not in my room. There are too many distractions in my room.”

“I like the atmosphere of the Blue Bean,” Norton said. Studying at the Café gives you access to great study break snacks and beverages to keep you going.

I was surprised that none of the interviewees thought that the High Library was the best place to study. The library has heated steps that make for easy access even when it is snowing. They are the only steps on campus where there is a guarantee that you will not slip and fall on your face.

Since none of the responses included the library, I asked the three if they ever go to the library to get other work or more serious studying done. All responded with a “yes.” Campbell expanded on her response by saying, “I’ve noticed you will get left alone [in the library], which is nice.” She said, “I study in the library if I don’t want to be bothered by friends.”

The three students confirmed that an ideal place to study would be somewhere that is somewhat quiet and has a comfortable place to sit.

Studying in a place where it is easy to focus is also crucial to productivity. What helps with focus obviously varies from person to person. I think the High Library is the best place to go when you have to get some serious studying done without interruptions or distractions.

Studying is all about what works best for you, so the best location to study is different for all. Happy studying!