Midterms are approaching and more students are seen gathering to study around places with Wi-Fi and comfortable seats (to occasionally nap in).
When asked what places students prefer to study at, the Oviatt library was not an option. Some students explained why they prefer to study anywhere besides the library.
Emily Delgado, psychology major and 5th year student, said she enjoys studying inside Sierra Hall classrooms because they are left open during certain hours and it is convenient for her since most of her classes are in the building.
“I’m always here, when I go to the library it’s always packed,” Delgado said.
Delgado said what keeps her coming back is the distance, quiet ambiance, and the fact that the classrooms are great for groups to study together.
Last semester, Delgado noted that she would find the most empty rooms around 2 p.m. She would look inside door windows first and if no one appeared to be inside, she would walk right in.
Jocelyn Quintanilla, civil engineering major and freshman, said she has not bothered to go to the library yet because the Matador Bookstore Complex usually has seats available.
“I just always find space here to sit, there’s less people, and it’s better than being outside,” Quintanilla said.
According to Pam Bingham, visual merchandiser of the bookstore complex, she helped design the updated look of the complex so students have more options besides the library.
“[We] wanted to make a comfortable place for students to study and eat,” Bingham said.
The Matador Bookstore Complex changed its entire look during the summer; changes included new carpet, registers, desks, lounge chairs, and Apple TV for students to relax for a few minutes.
Recently, students have been seen studying at the Oasis Wellness Center at the University Student Union. The center is commonly known as a place to relax in, but also study. According to Angela Faissal, manager of the Oasis Wellness Center, she sees students studying at there daily.
“From our satisfaction survey last spring, results showed that of the most common student usage of the Oasis, ‘studying’ ranked third on the list,” Faissal said.
Faissal believes the Oasis Wellness Center is a great place to study due to the serene ambiance.
From the subtle background music to the sounds of the water falls, it is the complete opposite environment the library has, according to Faissal.
“When I was a student, the library would totally stress me out mainly due to the stressed out students that surrounded me,” Faissal said. “Students who come to the Oasis, feel a sudden sense of relaxation that puts them at ease no matter what stressors they are experiencing.”
Although the Oasis Wellness Center is a convenient place to study, there won’t be upgrades such as more tables anytime soon due to limited space inside. However, the center is looking for more shading options outside, like umbrellas and some drop shades to block sunlight in the outdoor lounge, according to Faissal.
If students are looking for more unique places to study, the east conference center located at the USU provides a student lounge with small desks attached to chairs. The conference center includes a prayer, meditation, and reflection room.
For students who prefer to study and exercise right after or vice versa, the Student Recreation Center, also located in the USU provides tables and lounge chairs on the second and third floor.
