Students stake out alternative study spots

Library renovations allow students to explore new study areas on campus

By Lynda Helm
The Collegian

As the last bits and pieces of the library fall to the ground many students may be wondering where else they can study. Luckily, there are quite a few areas to choose from throughout campus.

One of the more popular places to study is the University Student Union.

“We meet in the student union because it is the only place we know we can get together,” Clarissa Armas said, a pre-nursing and dietitian major. Kiran Bath, an undeclared major, enjoys studying either inside or outside the food area of the student union. She said the outside is quiet later in the day. The inside can get crowded and loud but the commotion can sometimes be a fun atmosphere for studying either alone or with friends, Bath said. Julie Garcia, a nursing major, enjoys studying outside in the grassy areas but when the weather doesn’t permit studying outside, she goes into the food area of the student union.

The University Center room 200, also known as the UC200, is becoming another popular choice for students. The area provides a number of carrels and tables as well as an on-site tutor. The area is located above the Round Table Pizza in room 200.

“The University Center is the only place I study,” nursing major Mayra Ruyz said.

Sydney Jackson, the Communications Coordinator of IT Services and Facilities Planning, said that she and her staff have tried hard to let the students know where study areas are on campus. Posters and maps have been posted around campus throughout the last few weeks. E-mails have also been sent to students.

“I come here every day,” said Oben Barrena, a biology major. While the student union can get loud, Matias Bernal, a political science major, said the University Center is quiet and spacious. Adriana Sanchez, another biology major, said University Center can get crowded around lunchtime. She said lunchtime is a good time for socializing while studying in this area. Tanisha Shamchoy, an English and Africana Studies major, enjoys using room 420 in the Education building. “It is my mantra, my place,” Shamchoy said. Shamchoy loves room 420 because of the view from a big window overlooking the entire city. Another favorite study place for Shamchoy is the Atrium at the Science Replacement Building. Shamchoy said this study area is either not yet popular or not well known because it is never crowded.

Criminology major Briana Preciado likes to study in the Learning Resource Center. This area is located in the bungalows by the Peters building. Preciado enjoys this room because is has on -hand tutors and places to hook up laptops.

While the library is under construction, some areas are still open for students to use. “I like to study with friends in the third floor of the library because it is quiet there,” said Jose Del Piero Gamino, another criminology major.

While Armas appreciates the study areas available throughout campus, she does has one complaint. “I wish there were more study areas open on weekends,” Armas said. Often Armas and her study group for her communications class have to meet up in a group member’s dorm on the weekends, and Internet access is not readily available in the dorm rooms. “Where do you go at 8 p.m. on a Sunday to get Internet access?” Armas said. Currently two areas on campus are open on the weekends. The Student Recreation Center is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. The library is also open Sundays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Jackson’s goal is to improve the already existing outside areas by adding more benches and chairs to a number of courtyards. There are eight outside areas available in campus. Most students may already know about the courtyard in front of The Pub and outside the student union, but a few lesser known areas include outside the Ag Science building, the Science II building, the Peters building, the Conley Art building and the Joyal Administration building. The quad between the McKee Fisk building, the Psychology and Human Services building, the Family and Food Sciences building and Social Science buildings also have new steal benches and tables.

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