By Gionna Bean, Opinion Editor
With the midterms on the minds of many students, the habit of studying is more important than ever. A good study session requires a good study spot. TheSaint set out to find where students spend the most time putting in the hard work. A poll was sent out to around 200 students and responses were collected and analyzed.
The Moose
Outside of The Moose – Photo by Gionna Bean
Located in the Cook Carriage House, the Moose is a beloved spot on campus, known for its creative coffee drinks and plentiful games. It may be a great place to grab a cup of joe and chat it up with some friends, but could this be a good place to lock in for exams, too?
Ambience 4/5- The not-too-bright lights and light background music provide an atmosphere ripe for good focus, and the smell of muffins and coffee engages the senses. However, such a stimulating environment is not for everyone.
Volume 2/5- Though the volume changes depending on the time of day, the Moose attracts a lot of foot traffic whether that be for refreshments or events held in the facility. Either way, the volume of this place isn’t always apt for focus.
Seating 5/5- The element of seating receives an impressive score due to the availability of chairs and tables. In addition, couches and high chairs provide the element of versatility, allowing students of different tastes to choose which seating best suits them.
Busyness 3/5- Again, The Moose is quite literally a business, so it only makes sense that it gets busy. However, this does not bother everyone and some people thrive in a busy environment.
Final Rating- The Moose receives a… 3.5/5. Almost 50 percent, but not quite 100 percent. This one’s not a winner.
Albertus Science Hall
Outside of Albertus – Photo by Gionna Bean
Albertus Magnus Hall, located on the outskirts of campus, is home to many science majors. Could this be the secret place that helps students lock in?
Ambience 2/5- The bright overhead lights and sterile colors are good for science projects, but not always welcoming for studying.
Volume 5/5- This building is often silent, which can help when one needs to lock in for midterms.
Seating 3/5- The seating gets mixed reviews. There are seats and tables available on each of the three floors. There are also couches available on the first floor.
Busyness 4/5- Since this is one of the buildings where classes are frequently held, it can get busy, but most of the time the halls are at least empty, allowing for space to focus.
Final Rating- The science hall gets a 3.5/5. Not bad, but not the best.
The Library
The outside of Grace Hauenstein – Photo by Gionna Bean
The Grace Hauenstein Library holds many organizations and offices. Some classes are held here also. A library is a classic place to study. Can it stand the test of time?
Ambience 3/5- There are many areas within the library. While the first floor provides plentiful desks and the Writing Center room, the second floor provides many study rooms and couches. Each area holds a different ambience, so responses were varied on this one.
Volume 5/5- Libraries are known for being quiet, and this one is no exception.
Seating 3/5- The seating is varied including couches, chairs, and swivel chairs. However, this depends on where one is within the building.
Busyness 4/5- The library, having so much within it, is constantly full of people. This may distract some “studiers” in their pursuits.
Final Rating- 3.75/5. A pretty solid score against the previous two. Might this be a winner?
Commuter Lounge
The Commuter Lounge, located in the Academic Building – Photo by Gionna Bean
Welcome to all those who don’t reside on campus, but will this area prove to be a crowd favorite for all?
Ambience 3/5- With its bright overhead lights and bleak colors, this is not the most “vibey” study area.
Volume 2/5- The lounge can get loud, especially when students gather to discuss group projects or meet with their professors in their offices, which live on the same floor.
Seating 3/5- The high top chairs and swivel chairs provide variety, but they can be too hard for some seeking comfortability in this stressful time.
Busyness 3/5- This place is either bustling with students or completely stark, and there is not much in between.
Final Rating- 2.75/5. This one might not make it to the finals.
Wege Dining Hall
The Wege Student Center – Photo by Gionna Bean
Ambience 2/5- Wege is not the prettiest place, but that is not what it is for. The mixture of smells may also throw one off while studying.
Volume 4/5- Wege is a place of community, and one where friends gather to eat and talk. This means it is not always the most fit for locking in. Then again, our poll suggests that students may prefer this background noise.
Seating 3/5- There are tables and chairs available, but not much variety.
Busyness 2/5- Wege is perhaps one of the busiest places on campus. During events like Saintsgiving, the seats have been fully occupied. This can make it hard to lock in.
Final Rating- 2.75/5… well, it is a dining hall, not a library.
Winner: The Library
The library—a classic place to study—seems to still sit high on the list for many students. With its variety of places to sit and quietness, this building averaged a 3.75/5 with its scores.
