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Finding a good place to study on or off campus can be challenging. There are more options available to you than just your room or the library, although they are definitely good places to start. Whether you need a break from the hustle and bustle of student activity or need a spot that can provide caffeine to keep you going through those long hours into the night, this list is sure to help. Here are a few places to get you started.
Campus Library
The clear first choice when looking for a study spot on campus is the campus library. Not only are there many quiet spots for concentrating, Walter Stiern Library at CSU Bakersfield offers a variety of accommodations for students. As a new pilot program, the library is open until 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. There are various study rooms on the third and fourth floors of the library that students can use for group or individual studying. Inside the lower level and second floor of the library, there are computer labs available to use as a resource. There is also a media lab in the lower level that offers help to students who use digital media editing software.
On the first floor of the library, there is a small station next to the check-out desk where students can buy snacks and drinks. The Dezember Reading Room is located on the first floor of the library for students who need the extra escape and peace. The librarians on staff are also available to students for any assistance or questions they may have regarding research or books. Although it may sound cliché, the library really is the go-to spot for on campus studying.
Tutoring/Writing/Resource Centers
Many times students struggle in their classes and do not know where to turn to for help. CSUB offers tutoring centers for all the different majors on campus that can be of great help to students. There is also a Writing Resource Center located in the Administration East Building that offers help with writing for all subjects.
These tutoring and resource centers should be used not only when help is needed on a subject but to better your work. Take your papers to the Writing Resource Center to double check your work and receive better grades.
Non-Crowded Areas on Campus
Sometimes an escape on-campus is the better option for getting work done. While it is nice to have a little background noise and socialize with students, there are times when it is preferable to be alone.
A good place to start is by finding empty classrooms inside of Dorothy Donahue Hall. There are usually more empty classrooms closer to the evening that are available. They are the perfect study spot because you are less likely to be distracted. Another good spot is a small patio on top of the Business Development Center. There are a few tables with umbrellas set up where students can go and get work done or do some reading without much interruption.
Off-Campus Coffee Shops
Having access to food and drinks is a key factor when studying off-campus. Usually studying can last for hours, so it is only natural that your body will need something to keep it going. Dagney’s Coffee Shop is the perfect place to study because of its homey feel and seclusion. There is a room inside Dagney’s with tables and books where students can study and feel right at home.
Off-Campus 24-Hour Diners
Cramming for finals or procrastinating on that term paper can require a lot of fuel to push you through those long hours. Luckily, there are 24-hour diner’s located off-campus such as, IHOP or Denny’s, which are the perfect spot for late night studying. These diners are convenient because there is food and caffeine available to you so that you can continue studying or doing your work without ever leaving your table.
Barnes and Noble
Books, Coffee and tranquility, Barnes and Noble bookstore is another great off-campus study spot. You can grab a book off a shelf, sit at the Starbucks café, take a couple notes and then return the book without ever having to pay for it. College students are on a budget, so places like Barnes and Noble are convenient to use for studying, reading, or using the Wi-Fi to continue doing work.
The Outside
Whether you are on or off-campus, going out into the fresh air always gives studying a more peaceful experience. If you are on-campus, try finding secluded spots, like the pond by the Walter Stiern Library or the tables outside of To-Go’s. If you are off-campus, places like Riverwalk Park are a good place to study outside because there are various tables and open spaces to get work done.
