It’s hard to believe that the quarter is almost over. They’re already playing Christmas music on the radio! In any case, for us college students, the approaching holidays mean that we must overcome one last major obstacle between now and complete freedom: finals.

One of the hardest things to do in studying for finals is finding good places to study. Of course, you could be like everyone else and go to Powell or the nearest coffeehouse, but in my opinion, it’s not the greatest idea to be around lots of other stressed-out, immuno-compromised students – you don’t want to pick up what they’re suffering from.

Instead, let’s talk about some fun, interesting places to be during this finals season.

For dormies, one of my favorite places to dig into my books was the top floor of Covel Commons. Often used for conferences and the like, the big ballroom and adjoining meeting rooms are usually empty, and have whiteboards aplenty for all your reactions and equations. And there’s no better study break than looking out over UCLA from the patio, especially when it’s late at night and the place is glowing.

On campus, one of the simplest places to go study is any open classroom. Obviously, this works best on weekends or in the evening, but there’s really something about sitting in a lecture hall that makes you buckle down. Again, chalkboards and whiteboards are available here, as well as an amazing AV system – how about watching The Office on the big screen for a study break?

Other options include some of our lesser-known libraries. The older Arts Library has lots of study space nobody knows about, and the Young Research Library just got renovated. I’ve heard great things about studying at the Getty (if you have a car), or even at the beach, though it’s looking a bit cold for that this year.

Last piece of advice: don’t wait until the last minute! Grab your stuff, queue up some study music, and get crackin’.

Happy Studydays!

-Princeton