8 Best Places to Study Besides the Library

There are many reasons why the library is the preferred place to study. It’s quiet, full of books, and cold enough to keep you wide awake. But sometimes you need a change of scenery and a new place to crack open the books. If you’re tired of going to the same dusty old study carrel or book stacks to study for exams, why not check out these other study spots for a change?

1. Coffee shop:

   

   Coffee shops have everything you need for a successful study session — comfy chairs and lots of coffee! If you don’t mind the sound of coffee grinding or loud baristas, then you shouldn’t have a problem studying in this noisy environment. Even if you’re able to stand the coffee shop sounds, it’s not a bad idea to carry a set of noise-canceling headphones with you, just in case.

2. Park:

   

   Libraries are cold and stuffy and just because they are quiet doesn’t mean that you’ll be the most productive here. If you need a little scenery and fresh air, then grab your backpack and go to a nearby park. Bring a blanket and study on the ground or post up at a picnic table. Sometimes the background noise of birds chirping or children playing can help you study more efficiently.

3. Bookstore:

   

   Bookstores are like libraries, but better! They have upbeat music, quiet reading corners, and plenty of caffeinated beverages to keep you going. Most importantly, bookstores offer a wide range of books and magazines to help you find an answer quickly and give you new reading material when you need a mental break.

4. Bedroom:

   

   Your bedroom is an excellent place to study if it’s quiet and free of distractions, that is. If you’re going to study in your bedroom, make sure you unplug the TV, put your computer to sleep, and remove any items that will distract you from studying. Also, be sure to study at a desk, not your bed. While it’s important to be comfortable while you study, you’re less likely to be productive if you’re lying down under the sheets.

5. Empty classroom:

   

   An empty classroom is a great place to get your nose in the books and mentally prepare yourself for an upcoming exam. If you prefer complete silence when studying, an empty classroom will definitely provide that and more. Best of all, you can play music and videos out loud and kick up your feet without worrying if you’re bothering anyone.

6. By the water:

   

   Whether you’re laying out by a swimming pool or sunning on a sandy beach, studying by the water is one of the best ways to stimulate your senses and increase creativity. If you find yourself falling asleep or getting too relaxed, go for a swim to wake up and revive yourself.

7. Computer labs:

   

   Computer labs are great places to study, especially if you need to be on a computer or need to access one occasionally as you work. Computer labs are quiet and generally free from the distractions you’d typically find in a library. Plus, you can print, scan, and photocopy as often as you need to.

8. Community center/gym:

   

   A community center or gym might not sound like the best place to post up and study for a big exam, but you might be surprised by how many quiet nooks and corners that are perfect for studying. If you have a membership at the community center or gym, then there shouldn’t be any reason why you can’t study there as well. When your brain starts to get cloudy, hop on the treadmill or bike and work out your frustrations.

This entry was posted on Sunday, August 12th, 2012 at 9:18 pm and is filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.