The Sophian

Issue date: 10/22/09 Section: Features

With the approach of midterm season, most students are also increasing their study hours and caffeine intake. Though it may be easy to become a hermit in your room, getting around campus and finding a new favorite study place may be a better option. Next time you have to write that term paper or cram for chemistry, consider these places for a refreshing change of scenery.

The Campus Center Red Room not only has a wonderful view of Chapin Lawn, but also cozy chairs perfect for hours of reading. It's not the best place for paper writing, but great for lunchtime studying or for study groups with friends. Plus, the Campus Center Café is only yards away, allowing plenty of time for hot chocolate and pizza runs, a must for improving any study session.

If you have to crank out a paper, head to the Collacott Periodicals Room on the third floor of Neilson. There's just something about its long wooden tables, perfect for spreading out notes and books, that inspires productivity and minimizes stress. Closed off from the rest of the library, you can stay here for hours. Before you know it, those pages will be written.

Sadly, the days are becoming shorter and colder. Before bleak November kicks in, venture to Capen Garden. A favorite spot for many, this extension of Smith's botanic garden has a number of benches, complete with an arbor. Or, bring a blanket and friends, and settle down by the fountain or one of the flowerbeds. The garden is another ideal spot for making a dent in readings or holding impromptu study sessions. The only downside is having to resist being distracted by the scenery.

Another venue where studying and food go hand in hand is the Green Street Café. This charming eatery has received other press lately pertaining to its legal struggles, but having been there for the first time a week ago, all I can say is to go. The food is excellent, featuring strong pick-me-up coffee, a variety of teas and reasonably priced and delicious scones, turnovers and muffins. If you go late in the afternoon, traffic is slow, the staff is fine with students settling down and staying a while. Best of all, there is a working fireplace on cold days, along with excellent jazz music, free refills of coffee and Smith student accounts, where after filling out a card, Smithies can pay for snacks on an as-desired basis.

Another place that inspires full-on productivity is Hillyer Library. Located in the art building, this smaller and more intimate library holds a multitude of study carrels and nooks on the second floor. Even for non-art majors, Hillyer is wonderful for completing assignments. Besides, if one is looking for procrastination, browsing through the excellent selection of art books and magazines is a great option.

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