Thursday, October 15, 2009

Study Spots

By Alex McArthy

Mid-terms are much more painful than finals week. Finals week is five days of agonizing pain, but everyone takes this into account. 24/7 quiet hours are instituted in the dorms, campus employers tend to be more flexible about hours, and family and friends know not to call and distract you. This is not the case during mid-terms. The two weeks go by just like the rest of the semester, and much of the university’s non-educational staff have no idea it’s even that time of year. Yes, not much changes during these weeks. Work hours, sports and family responsibilities are all the same. The only thing different is the fact that students are cramming in pages of information about things like the Groundwork of the Metaphysic of Morals by Immanuel Kant.

Still Saint Xavier finds a way to accommodate. Spaced through out the halls of just about every building, as well as countless spots outside, are quiet, serene, and many times comfy spots to study. For starters, lets look at the Link, the second-story connection between McCarthy and Rubloff. This space is used frequently and is open to any resident on campus. Tables and cozy chairs are everywhere up there. Plus, you get a nice view of the Quad. Also each dorm has a lounge near its lobby equipped with couches, chairs and a TV. Morris Hall even has a comfy fireplace.

For freshman especially, these can become crowded and noisy but never fear – the W.A.C. is here. In the Warde Academic Center, there are a few hot-spots to study. One is obviously the Student Lounge located right by the cafeteria. This is a great place to get some quiet study time while scarfing down overpriced food from the diner. There are six large tables, some cozy chairs and a few relic computers with printers.

The library is the Mecca of studying. Most useful are the brand new study rooms built on the 3rd floor of the library. These rooms have 1 or 2 tables (depending on size), wifi/ethernet, outlets for charging those worthless laptop batteries, and a large dry-erase board. Everything you need to study. These rooms are primarily meant for two or more people, but if it a slow night you can go up there and get in some study time in by yourself.

Of course, the second and bottom floor of the library are where all the action is. Rows of computers, including Macs, are located on the second floor. These are very helpful, and are in high demand around exam time. The tables and large English-style chairs in the library are useful as well. There’s nothing like curling up with a good book in a fancy chair.

The Haddad Room is a perfect place to go if you have a large group and plan on being there for a while. Still, my personal favorite is the Bishop Quarter Room. This is an isolated cove at the entrance to the library. With thick oak doors it can be a very quiet retreat. The most comfortable couches and chairs reside in the lounge, so comfy many people fall asleep. It also has a large table and some interesting artwork and books on its perimeter. You have not had the SXU experience until you have spent some quality time in this room.

That brings us to outside, places that do not see as much action around this time of year. The quads are always a place to lay out a blanket and study on a sunny day. Also around Lake Marion there are some peaceful spots to read a textbook. Mary’s Circle is a private place surrounded by foliage where one can go study, surrounded by the flowers, and maybe get some ‘Hail Mary’s’ squeezed in as well. The brand new patio is a tool that many students have already used to study or hang out at.

As one can see the places to study, and Saint Xavier’s facilities accommodate the academic side of university life. The places are endless, and everyone has their favorite place to go, while in between classes or not in their room. I know I will be using them for years to come.

Alex McArthy is a sophomore political science major from St. Louis, Missouri. He is an RHA National Communications Coordinator, president of the Cougar Crazies, a Public Safety supervisor and an SXU Student Ambassador. Consideration for the student bloggers is provided by Saint Xavier University.

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