As a student at Berkeley, it is expected that you’ve been faced with the dilemma of studying for a midterm or final more times that you could possibly imagine. After a year of exploring the ropes here (and trudging through countless tests), I’ve decided that there is one definite factor that  can make or break your study time: the location.

Café

What you should expect: You are bound to hear the clanking of spoons, students gossiping, and men behind the counter calling out orders. However, you can also expect to be graced with a lovely meal or warm coffee.

Types of people who can study here: If you are not easily distracted and can listen to music while working, studying at a café might just be the thing for you. Plus, the lively atmosphere is guaranteed to keep you awake at all times.

Where to go: Free Speech Movement Café (good luck getting a table!), Café Milano, Starbucks, Qualcomm Café, Café Strada

Library

What you should expect: No distractions here – just pure silence. But, don’t expect to be able to eat food or sip on anything aside from water while studying in a library on campus.

Types of people who can study here: If you’re the type of person who catches onto every little noise (like myself), you’re probably better suited for the quiet halls of a library. Literally, you will be surrounded by only your thoughts – which can of course become really tiring.

Where to go: Main Stacks, North Reading Room (Doe Memorial Library), Morrison Library, East Asian Library, Music Library

Outdoors

What you should expect: If you’re lucky, you can anticipate a warm sun beating on you while you lay out on a field of grass. Unfortunately, you can also be distracted by birds chirping, students playing sports outside, and faculty walking their dogs.

Types of people who can study here: Similar to those who can study in a café, studying outside requires a level of concentration because of the numerous noises you are bound to encounter. If feeling the wind on your face and lounging out in nature calms you though, you might want to consider studying outside.

Where to go: Memorial Glade, or any other patch of grass on campus

In your dorm room

What you should expect: If you are living in dorms, you are often provided with a study lounge that unfortunately houses a social environment. You should expect to take breaks to chat with a friend/roommate and hear your floormates yelling down the hall.

Types of people: If you find yourself fairly sociable and unable to do work without other people talking to you occasionally, then working in the comfort of your own dorm room is a great option. You are guaranteed to find a friendly face that is willing to be your distraction.

Where to go: Well, this is pretty self-explanatory.

Trending Articles: