While all students’ workloads might not be as substantial as hers, they will more than likely find themselves looking to escape distractions and disturbances, seeking somewhere they can get to work. 

When deadlines are looming and procrastination is powerful, retreat to these spots for much-needed cram sessions.

Popular study spots

Located just north of the Red Cedar River at 366 W. Circle Drive, MSU’s main library is likely one of the most popular locations for students to study and complete homework. The library provides a silent location with comfortable seating and plenty of space to spread out your computer, books and other materials. 

The Main Library features both individual and group private study rooms. 

Desai also said she enjoys studying in the main library, especially when she’s collaborating with other students on a group project. 

Somewhere a little quieter

She said she also likes the quiet atmosphere of the John F. Schaefer law library — located near the Eli Broad College of Business. When she’s working more casually, watching a recorded lecture or catching up on some work with her friends, she visits 1855 Place and the STEM Building. 

“The third floor (of the STEM Building) has tables and a giant whiteboard,” Desai said. “A lot of people really like to be able to draw, especially physics or anatomy classes, it's nice to be able to draw out what you're talking about … there's a lot of labs that happen there too, it's nice to be in that same building to get work done after class.” 

Social studies secondary education junior Rupa Charles heads to the library for a quiet place to get her work done.

“I like that there are people around but they're not people that I know,” Charles said. “I can just lock myself in.” 

When she lived in the dorms, Charles used the study lounges that are found in most dorm buildings. Study lounges provide on-campus students with a spot that’s close to their room, while also breaking distracting patterns that may emerge from studying at a desk only feet away from their much more comfortable bed.

Charles said she always listens to music and brings snacks or coffee to reward herself for long periods of work. For Spartans that also find themselves getting hungry during a long session, the library sports a Sparty’s Cafe location in the west wing of the first floor. 

Somewhere a little louder

Nutritional science junior Isabel Panyard has been perfectly content studying in her dorm room so far. 

Panyard said she prefers the privacy of her own room to a common area, where she typically plays music or a familiar TV show to provide background noise while she’s studying. 

“My parents used to yell at me for it, saying that I'd get distracted, but it's honestly just kind of comforting to have that familiarity, like a repetitive thing going,” Panyard said. 

Desai said the main lounge at the MSU Union is comfortable and great for meeting large study groups. 

Students that enjoy a little bit of background noise might find themselves more comfortable in an unorthodox study environment — like the laundry room in their dorm building. If you find yourself with a full hamper of dirty clothes and plenty of studying left to do, consider bringing your work with you. 

These rooms usually come equipped with tables and chairs, and the low hum of washers and dryers provides some relaxing white noise. Having to retrieve laundry from a washing machine helps break up the monotony of studying and students will return to their room with clean clothes and over an hour of work completed.

Additionally, some students might find that on-campus dining halls make a fine place for a study session. Students can find a private table, spread their work out and take breaks to grab a snack or a drink.

This story is part of our 2022 Welcome Week print issue. Read the entire issue here.