Finding Your Study Sanctuary

While the U of R student body is an extremely diverse group of individuals who participate in a wide range of unique activities, we all share in the glorious practice of studying.

Studying is one of the main staples of college life no matter where you go. With a limited amount of time in the classroom, professors everywhere expect their students to stay on top of a substantial amount of out-of-class work. While college classes definitely require more studying than high school, they can be handled relatively painlessly with a little time management, a good attitude, and the right setting.

As a freshman, I’ve found that my success in class is directly linked to the effectiveness of my studying, and this (at least for me) depends on the atmosphere of my study space. Personally, I get the most work done in quieter, secluded locations rather than loud and social ones. However, I have many friends who do better with background noise and a group of people to bounce ideas off of. At Rochester, we have the best of both worlds with a campus that includes a huge range of spaces perfect for any kind of studier.

Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Outside
Now that we’re well into fall, outside might not be the best option for hitting the books. However, during the several fleeting months of beautiful Rochester weather, outside can be the perfect place to study. Our beautiful campus is full of expansive green quads and dotted with benches and tables, perfect for spreading out and getting work done. Outside can be a great option for all types of studiers as it accommodates loud study groups as well as individuals seeking peace and quiet. Plus, being outdoors exposes you to fresh air and sunshine that can’t help but brighten your mood.

2. The dorms
Your room is your home. It’s where all your stuff is, including your own personal desk and comfy bed. For these reasons (among others), many college students choose to study in their dorm rooms. If you live on a quiet floor or don’t mind the occasional rowdy hall-mate, this can be a perfect study space as it allows for a kind of comfort that only comes from privacy. Aside from the rooms themselves, UR dorms are also equipped with lounges on every floor that students make use of for both socializing and studying. These are a good choice for group work or the independent studier that likes a little bit of noise. The best part about studying in the dorm, however, is that it’s open all night and you won’t have to venture out into the cold when you’re ready for bed.

3. The Commons
Our student union, Wilson Commons, houses everything from dining options and club offices to performance spaces and yes, study spots. Multiple lounges are stocked with comfy chairs and couches as well as tables perfect for chilling with a laptop or meeting with a study group. Wilson Commons is open until 1:00 a.m. with the food court and Starbucks operating late into the night to keep both socializers and studiers energized and happy.

4. The library
Rochester is home to many different libraries, most of which can be found inside the Rush Rhees Library building. The amount of variation in study spaces within the walls of Rush Rhees is astounding, ranging from the formal and collegiate feeling Periodical Reading Room to the modern and bookless Gleason Library. Further spaces include the IT Center and the beloved “Stacks,” providing students with even more options for both collaborative and independent studying. Food is allowed everywhere other than the rare books room, and while different sections of the building shut down at night, Gleason serves students 24 hours a day.

5. My personal study sanctuary
On the fourth floor of Rush Rhees, down a narrow hallway lies the Robbins Library. This “secret library” (as it is often called) has become my second home and where I do the majority of studying. Large wooden tables, fluffy area rugs, and potted plants give the Robbins Library an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on campus and much more akin to the small town libraries I’ve grown up with. This, coupled with relative silence and privacy, makes Robbins my favorite destination for any kind of work. But when 9:00 p.m. rolls around or I have studying to do on the weekends (when Robbins is closed), I’m always happy to switch things up and take advantage of my many other options.

The majority of a student’s success in college comes down to what they put into their studies. Professors are there in class to give direction and clarify main points but much of the actual learning depends on the quality of independent studying. My advice therefore is: figure out what kind of studier you are, find a study space you feel comfortable in, and enjoy taking in that wonderful knowledge you’re here for.

Want to learn more about on-campus study spots? Check out Grant’s post from last year!