By Kari Lutes, Features Editor
If you’re like me, you probably step through the doors of Kinlaw and pause by the coffee cart as you consider the best place for your hours-long study session. While the answer to this is often based on your mood, personality or to-do list, I have compiled a ranking of the many different study places in Kinlaw in hopes of making the decision easier for you.
- FitDesk
I really wanted to give this desk a shot, but ultimately I felt it didn’t give me one. I had to adjust the seat to the lowest setting, and I still couldn’t reach to pedal all the way around. The chair also had some exercise arm bands, but I couldn’t see how you could use those and do homework at the same time. I would only recommend this chair if you know that you are someone who cannot sit still; otherwise, keep your study and workout times separate.
- The First Floor of Kinlaw
The first floor of Kinlaw offers pretty much the same study environment all the way around. The tables are big and invite others to come and work alongside you, so the first floor can often get a little loud. I’ve found that left side of the first floor is quieter than the right (beside the printers), so I usually opt for that side when I plan to meet with someone or study with a group. However, the first floor of the library isn’t a great choice if you plan to study alone.
- Second Floor Study Rooms
These rooms are great for studying with a group. They’re small enough so that everyone feels like a part of the conversation. Since they’re closed off, you don’t feel like everyone can hear what you all are saying, which is perfect for group-project crisis moments. That being said, I don’t understand the appeal of the single-person study rooms. I felt as if I was locked in a closet with my homework and couldn’t leave until I finished—not the most inspiring space for paper writing.
- Brody Chair Workstations
The Brody Chairs are one of the new additions to Kinlaw made this semester, and I have to admit I was a bit leery of trying them. I imagined the space would feel too confined and that the sides wouldn’t block out noise. I found that the window overlooking the semi-circle was perfect for counteracting any feelings of being trapped, and there was less noise than I thought, though I’d still recommend bringing your headphones. The space is small, so if you have a bigger laptop, I think you might have trouble fitting everything you need in the desk with you. The purpose of the desk is focus, however, and they help with that.
- Second Floor Quiet Zone
This is where I typically settle in for a weekend paper-writing session or for late-night Latin translations. I like this area because I typically see someone I know, but because it’s the quiet zone, a smile and a wave are perfectly acceptable before I seclude myself with a pair of headphones, some tea and Cicero. I like the feeling of being among other students struggling through assignments and yet my own little world. However, I have found recently that the group study rooms can get loud, which can force me out of this spot and into the individual desks on the second floor. These desks are next to the railing and overlook the first floor study spaces, so bring your headphones—the noise floats up.
