Andrea Agola

This room, found on the first level of the Baker-Berry Library, was one of the first spaces I explored when I visited campus after my acceptance last Spring and I just knew it would become one of my favorite places. I love the little nooks/compartments that make up the outskirt of the room. Two nooks at the end of the room are very popular among students so I was always super happy when I was able to get to them early enough. The space is usually pretty quiet with a little chatter here and there, so I was really able to focus. Occasionally small events are held in this room like open concerts put on by student musicians (serenaded while studying, wow!).

On days where I needed complete uninterrupted focus to achieve the utmost productivity (in other words to GRIND), I walked up two flights of stairs from the East Reading Room. Known for being the most silent study space on campus—really you can hear a pin drop—the Tower Room is at the very top of Baker-Berry Library. The green velvet chairs and ornate architecture give such an aesthetic look to the gorgeous and serene room. I usually sat in one of the chairs facing a window for an optimal view of fall foliage. After slipping a piece of wood across the armrests (smart makeshift desk), I would usually get right to work on my anthropology readings or French textbook work. The room is also really warm so I’m sure it’ll stay at the top of my list during winter term.

This modern building is located close to FOCO and is a bit closer to my River Cluster dorm than the library. The space serves as both a social gathering and studying spot. For some reason, when it came to studying I got major math vibes from the space so I usually only did calculus homework and group study sessions with my friends there. The numerous whiteboards scattered around are a great plus! There’s also a snack bar open from 8pm-2am that can really cheer you up during a late night study sesh.

While I usually study on campus, one Saturday my friend and I decided to change things up and walk into town to study at the Still North Bookstore. We wished we had done it even earlier in the term because it was such a nice and cute environment. The cafe inside has unique seasonal drinks which emanate the perfect coffee aroma. It’s definitely a bit noisier than some study spots on campus but it can be a great way to get out of the "campus bubble" every now and then. The little window shopping spree my friend and I went on in Hanover afterwards was a great way to diffuse after spending most of our Saturday studying. 

I discovered this cool room in the Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies Department after wandering out of the Tower Room one day during a study break. It is yet another picturesque room and seems to be a hidden gem because I was shockingly the only person in there during the two times I went over the term.

The Engineering and Computer Science Center (modern innovative vibe) which is pictured above and The Irving institute (cool modern hotel lobby vibe). Not only are these spots amazing, they're also the closest to my dorm so I will definitely be frequenting them more to limit my time outside in the negative-degree weather of winter term.