students share ultimate study spots for finals week
Olivet freshman Chase McGill usually goes to the library to study, but recently discovered Twelve17 Coffee Roasters is a great environment to cram before exams.
The end of the semester means coffee shops are packed and the library is full because students are hitting the books harder than they have all semester. To prepare for their final stretch of classes this year, students are retreating to their favorite study spots.
“It is a really peaceful environment,” said the Olivet freshman. “They play jazz music and have really open, cool architecture.”
He said as a last resort, he does his homework and studying in the designated study room on the floor of his residence hall.
“I mostly study in the library because it’s quieter,” McGill said. “The church coffee shop is donation-based and it’s a really cool place. I’ll probably go there a lot more.”
Sault Ste. Marie junior Kasey Weston just took an online exam and has four more to study for during finals week.
“I usually go to the second floor in the library and get a computer there because I don’t like using my laptop,” Weston said. “I like to study around people but with my music.”
Some of her favorite artist to listen to when studying is Jason Mraz and Gavin Degraw, Weston said.
Redford senior Sabryna Groves also likes to listen to music when she studies, but prefers more instrumental songs because lyrics distract her, she said.
“My favorite place to study is the UC or the Down Under,” Groves said. “I like to be around people. Because of the white noise, it helps me focus.”
Groves said one thing she tries to do the night before an exam is to not study at all and keep it out of her mind, after weeks of preparing.
The Dreamer Coffee Shop, located just off campus, is extending their hours for exam week and staying open until midnight from Sunday to Thursday.
“We always have a lot of people in here studying; Sunday is definitely our busiest day,” said store manager Samantha Hubbard.
Barista Lindsay Ball said she noticed more people coming in to study before exams. She said they have a large back room that is utilized a lot for group projects and can be reserved upon request.
Kaya Coffeehouse is normally open until midnight, but is extending their hours until at least 2 a.m. during finals week.
“Usually when a customer comes up I ask them what they’re doing and what their plans are for the day,” said barista Naomi Evans. “Almost always they’ve been saying ‘studying,’ especially if it’s a student.”
