Students say library offers best studying atmosphere; study rooms popular option

While some study for finals in dimly lit coffee shops, 0thers prefer the quiet corners offered by the Charles V Park library.

Carrie Claybough said she finds too many distractions studying at home.

“I don’t seem to get anything done anywhere else,” Claybough, a Mount Pleasant junior said.

Claybough has tried studying in other places like coffee shops, but has not been as successful as at the library, she said.

Partaking in two study groups, Claybough enjoys the quiet study rooms available for checkout in the four floors of the library.

Claybough has completed one final and has five left to take.

Unlike Claybough, Ferndale senior Erin Taisey prefers to study at her apartment.

Taisey prefers the convenience of studying where she sleeps, but sometimes ventures to the library.

“It motivates me to get things done,” Taisey said. “I don’t leave until I get things done.”

Taisey said she is not motivated by others at the library, and is sometimes distracted by peers checking their Facebook or other social networking sites.

Taisey said graduating in August also motivates her.

Jerry McCarthy studies in a variety of places, but prefers the library.

“I came here for a couple hours and got two papers done,” McCarthy, a Battle Creek junior, said.

McCarthy tried to work on the same assignments at his apartment this weekend, but was unsuccessful.

Studying in the hallway between classes is also an option, McCarthy said.

McCarthy has five finals left, with one course having two finals.

A lack of permitted drinks does not bother McCarthy, who usually brings a Gatorade or Mountain Dew to the library. Drinks with screw-on caps are permitted, but coffee and tea without secure caps are not permitted.

Studying in the library means students have the option to reserve a study room.

There are individual study rooms and group study rooms available.

“We’re booked up every night for reservations,” said Cara Booker, a reference desk worker.

The Lake Orion senior said students have been renting a lot of studying rooms due to exams.

With 19 study rooms total, six of those can be reserved ahead of time, Booker said, while the other 13 are first come first serve basis.