Ever since my first midterm at Portland State University, I have struggled to find a quiet place to study on campus. It didn’t take me long to realize I could study best at home where I had some control over the matter. But this past week, I had a three-hour lapse between obligations at school, and I thought I’d better use the time for my mounting homework. I began again a search for a quiet corner where I could really concentrate.
First I headed to the library. As I climbed the stairs to the many floors, a buzz of activity filled my ears. Students gathered at the tables and around the computer desks to work on class projects together. Only in the basement did I find peace and quiet. But if you have ever ventured into the library basement, you can understand why this isn’t a desirable place to study. It’s just strange down there.
Giving up on the library, I stood in the park blocks wondering where I could go on campus to study in a quiet atmosphere. Then it dawned on me. The computer lab! Why hadn’t I thought of this before? The computer lab has a no cell phone policy, and because the tables are set-up in long rows, there is little opportunity for groups to gather. It was perfect for what I needed. The downside is that the computer lab may not always be the best place to study if you don’t need a computer.
As we head into the final weeks of the term, finding a quiet place to study will become important to many students. So tell me PSU, where is there a quiet place on campus to study?