Find the perfect study spot to get caught up for Finals Week

The last month of the semester is closing in. If you play your cards right, there’s plenty of time to replace those all-nighters with three-hour stints in environments that hone your focus. College glorifies self-induced suffering to meet those deadlines – break the habit by visiting places on campus and around Springfield during the day to stay ahead of the curve instead of starting at 3 a.m.

Olin Library

The second floor of Olin is peaceful and secluded. Choose between study rooms perfect for small groups or individuals, or camp out at one of many open tables, cubicles and computers available. The library, just as it is in the community, is an under-utilized resource. Snacks and meals are allowed in the building too – don’t skip too many meals, no matter how much you must accomplish.

Pearson Fourth Floor

While English and languages students may shudder at the thought of the stairs between yourself and the fourth floor of Pearson Hall, it makes it that much nicer of a secret study spot. Furnished with a vinyl record player amid its tables, chairs and couches, a student can roost in the treehouse as they grind out essays and equations. Make sure to bring a blanket – it gets chilly!

Greene County libraries

Carnegie branch: 397 E Central St.

Park Central branch: 128 Park Central Square

The Library Center: 4653 S Campbell Ave.

Not only will you find the books you need for a research project, you might stumble upon the novel you’ll fall in love with over winter break. The Carnegie branch is within walking distance and the Park Central Library is barely a five-minute drive.

Libraries are one of the few places you can exist for free. If you’re looking for an energy boost, the Carnegie Library has a Big Momma’s shop inside, and the Library Center hosts a Mudhouse location.

Eurasia

445 E Commercial St.

Atmospheric without the crowds that accompany larger coffee shops like Mudhouse, Eurasia offers sandwiches, soups and snack platters along with their bakery and coffee menus. It also boasts a bay window platform for even more casual sitting space.

Photo via Maclen Johnson.

Hurts Donuts

Downtown: 320 Park Central W.

Southside: 1111 E Republic Rd #164

…Well, they’re 24 hours. For the night owls or the early-early birds, Hurts is full of bright lighting and soft, upbeat music to keep you going. The wide selection of donuts and affordable coffee don’t hurt (haha), either.

George’s

339 S Glenstone Ave.

For evenings when you can’t stomach another meal at the Commons or a morning when you just want off campus, George’s is affordable and serves plenty of comfort food to boost your spirits. While it isn’t advised to bring your laptop since they do not have public Wi-Fi, it’s easy to review class notes or catch up on readings in a large booth over a slice of pie or their “Recession-Proof” breakfast. George’s closes at 10 p.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Coffee Ethic

124 Park Central Square

Another coffeehouse in town, Coffee Ethic offers small bakery treats and a simple drink selection. It has minimal seating that staves off the masses, but it does make it harder to find a table to camp out.

Potter’s House

724 S National Ave.

A little more crowded than other places on this list, Potter’s House is a student staple for MSU and Drury alike. You can reserve their alcove in the back or the basement to guarantee yourself a study spot. Additionally, Potter’s House has multiple tables and couches in-house, on the screened-in back porch and outside on the front patio.

Photo via Maclen Johnson.

Make your own study space!

Sometimes, there’s no place like home. Figure out the distractors and remove them from a designated space – including your phone. Do you prefer silence, or instrumental music to keep you in the rhythm or background noise like a televised football game to which you’re not really paying attention? If you study best around others, bring out your notes when your roommates are relaxing in shared spaces.

Equally important, set aside a few hours a week to straighten up your room. It’s easy to forget laundry and organization as you scramble to turn in all manner of projects and assignments. Routinized actions like cleaning give you a quick brain break and will help you feel better in the long run. It’s always nicer to come home to a made bed and navigable floor during college chaos.

Article written by Maclen Johnson.