At Waynesburg University, considered one of the top 50 beautiful Christian college campuses, it can be hard to find a good study spot. After spending three years studying in every building on campus, I’ve figured out which locations work best for different preferences and assignments.
To study in complete silence, visit the stacks on the second floor of Eberly Library. Here, the most distracting elements are the occasional clang of a metal water bottle and a low-volume conversation. The second floor of Eberly Library is also home to the Writing Center and two printing stations.
For a lively study spot with moderate background noise, visit the Beehive on the second floor of the Stover Student Center in the evenings around 7 p.m. or early mornings before 10 a.m. But no matter what time you're there, be sure to charge your earbuds and headphones; it can be hard to concentrate even for the most disciplined students during the lunch and dinner rushes. BONUS: the 24/7 Market is less than 50 feet away, so you can pick up your favorite brain fuel with your flex dollars!
If you’re a STEM student, visit the Stewart Science Hall. At the end of each floor is an area with desks and a view of High Street. Each floor is separated by concentration: the 2nd floor is nursing, the 3rd is biology, and the 4th is chemistry. There’s a great chance you’ll meet upperclassmen in your major or bond with classmates who can help you with homework and help you navigate college life. The only drawback is that these areas are used for group study time, so there can be limited space.
For Christian fellowship and light conversation, visit the Center for Campus Ministry on the first floor of the Stover Student Center. They're always playing good music, and sometimes students will play a contentious game of Wii Sports bowling or Just Dance. It can be a fantastic place to complete homework if you’re working on a long-term project and want to take occasional breaks.
But if none of these fits your personal jam, here are some tips to help you study efficiently in your dorm (or bedroom if you’re a commuter):
- Turn off your phone and put it out of sight. During my freshman year, I had no idea how to study without checking my phone constantly, even though it was on Do Not Disturb. As a last resort, I turned off my phone and shoved it at the bottom of my desk drawer. I promised not to turn it on until I had finished the task I had been procrastinating, and it worked! After a while, I forgot that I had even turned off my phone since I wasn’t tempted to tap and watch the screen light up.
- Use ambient lighting. Though the bright overhead lights in the dorms are great for everyday use, they can be overwhelming when you’re staring at a screen, reading a textbook with fine print, and taking notes on stark white paper. Buy a small lamp from Walmart at around $10 and use a low-watt energy-efficient bulb. The soft white light reduces strain on the eyes.
- Create your ultimate study playlist. Everyone studies differently, and we all have different interests. Whether it’s the fast pace of electronic music, the ebb and flow of classical music, or the ambiance of acoustic worship songs, create a 6–8-hour playlist of whatever motivates you.
- Use headphones or earbuds. If you don’t like listening to music or podcasts, consider just wearing your headphones. They block out a significant amount of background noise and can help keep you sane when your roommate wants to sing the latest Taylor Swift song at full volume while you’re trying to study for a physiology exam.
- Take an exercise break! Elevate your heart rate and have an exercise snack. These are short (as short as one minute) exercises to help you concentrate and work on those fitness goals! Some of my favorites are banded squats, push-ups, and holding a plank for 30 to 45 seconds at a time. Read more about the benefits of exercise snacking here.
