Hey guys, and welcome back! I wanted to make a post on my favorite study spots on campus as I gear up for the last few weeks of the semester (crazy!). At Amherst, there are so many spots on campus to study privately, study with friends, and study in open spaces. I find it best to study outside of my room to stay motivated, separate my relaxing environment from my academic work, and explore campus.
Study Spot 1: Frost Library
Starting off strong, we have Frost Library! Frost Library has so many study spot opportunities. Our library has six levels! Levels 1 and 2 are social zones, which are perfect for studying with friends or completing group projects with peers. I usually only meet up with classmates or groupmates on these floors, as I unfortunately cannot focus when trying to work by myself on these levels. Level 3 and A are quiet zones with minimal distractions and conversations, but I rarely find myself studying on these levels. Instead, my favorite levels in Frost are levels B and C! Levels B and C are silent zones, which really enforce self-studying and getting lots of work done. My favorite thing to do on Level B is sit in an individual cubical spot where all of my distractions are limited, and it is great to just have my own space. However, the tables on level B are nice and spacious, so I love being able to have all of my work out on those tables or silent study at one of the tables while sitting with friends. Level C would have to be my all time favorite level of Frost, which is actually the lowest level. Level C is called the catacombs, and it is another silent zone. I am always most productive sitting at a table in this level, and this has been my favorite spot and level in Frost since the first few weeks of my freshman year. I am able to lock-in, focus, and be comfortable. I have done super long schoolwork and studying sessions on this level, and I can usually go for a few hours! I always make sure to take breaks though!
Study Spot 2: Science Center
My second favorite spot is the Science Center! I am in the Science Center multiple days and times a week for my classes, so it is nice to just stick around and study for a bit instead of trying to rush back to my dorm or another building. My go-to spot is the second floor balcony. On the second floor, there is a balcony with multiple high-top seats for students to work with a view of outside and the first floor of the science center down below. I prioritize self-studying at this balcony, and the view outside the science center and below down to the first floor is awesome. There is so much natural light that comes from the big windows! There is also another version of this balcony spot on the third floor of the Science Center, and I will go there if the seats on the second floor balcony spots are taken. Both are great, I just love the consistency of sitting on the second floor.
Study Spot 3: The Mead Art Museum
My third and new study spot is The Mead Art Museum! I have just recently discovered this spot this semester, but it is super cozy! I had been to The Mead Art Museum a few times as a freshman last year, but this semester it is a new study spot for me. The Mead is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Sundays, and it is open late until 10 p.m. on Thursdays. I find it nice to study here during the early afternoon on weekdays, as I am surrounded by beautiful artwork and it is a peaceful, quiet space.
While these study locations and spots are my current top three, I continue to keep exploring other areas on campus. With our new Student Center coming next fall, there will be plenty of new study spaces on the way that I am excited to try! Thank you for reading, and see you next time!
-Braelyn