10 Places To Study In USM Library

ATTENTION USM COLLEGE STUDENTS, having trouble finding a place to study in Cook Library? Check out these different spots.

Andrew Jakab

What is the spot for you?

1. Starbucks

USM website / Via usm.edu

To the right when you enter the library, Starbucks beckons coffee drinkers. If you have to have background noise, comfortable seating, and coffee, this is the place for you. It is conveniently located near the first floor computers and printers and close to the restroom.

2. The Back of the 1st floor

Andrew Jakab

Way in the back of the first floor commons is a nice spot. It has everything you need: tables, corrals, computers, and desk chairs. It is somewhat close to food, coffee, and the bathroom. But it is far enough from the entrance that most people do not venture this far, so it stays pretty quiet. The best feature is the large window letting in natural light. It stays open until 2 a.m.

3. The 2nd Floor Quiet Zone

Andrew Jakab

Conveniently located after walking up the stairs. It has computers, corrals and a printer. Many people do not think to come in here. It is close to everything you need. The only thing it does not have is tables. It stays open until midnight.

4. The 2nd Floor Commons

Andrew Jakab

A wide open space that is close to other study spots. If you like to be around your friends while studying come here. All it takes is a walk up the stairs. It has less people than the 1st floor commons and is arranged better. It is close to printers and computers and bathrooms. It stays open until 2 a.m., but at night it is pretty popular with whisperers. But I enjoy studying here during the day.

5. The 2nd Floor Secret Sanctum

Andrew Jakab

This is a prized study spot in the library. Once past the desk on the second floor take a right and walk past the library resources and you enter this open area. It has a table and some open corrals. What makes this area so great is you can be totally cut off from everyone else and at the same time close to all the amenities offered on the second floor. It is the perfect spot to burn the midnight oil because it is more quiet than the common area. The only downside is you feel alone and there are no windows. One should only come in here when on a deadline or complete silence is necessary after midnight.

6. The Back Table of 2nd Floor Commons

Andrew Jakab

At the far end of the 2nd floor commons is this table. I enjoy it because of the window during the day and I can spread out materials on the table. It is close to everything on the second floor and no one walks by.

7. Group Study Rooms

Andrew Jakab

While these rooms are for groups, individuals can use them as well. They have tables and you are cut off from the world. There are rooms on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors. They are close to any thing you might need.

8. The 3rd Floor

Andrew Jakab

There are good spots all across the 3rd floor, just jump on the elevator. There are corrals, tables, computers, a printer, and a restroom. There are less people than on floors one and two, meaning great studying opportunities.

9. The 4th Floor

Andrew Jakab

This floor is essentially the same as the 3rd floor, so if you can't find a spot you like on the 3rd floor than just go up one level. Floors three through five close at midnight.

10. The 5th Floor

Andrew Jakab

Take the elevator to the top. This floor is completely silent and has corrals and tables, but no computers or group study rooms or food. This floor is the best when you need to focus or study something silently. There are no distractions. There is a restroom and it closes at midnight.

Things to Think About

1. Think about what you are trying to accomplish before picking the spot.

2. Look around before sitting down, if someone is going to annoy you it is good to know before you get settled in.

3. If you can't work in one spot. MOVE. You will save more time by moving to a place that works for you.

4. If you don't come in with a good attitude about working, no spot is going to make you want to work.