As the fall semester comes to a close, the temperature is dropping and students are beginning the time-honored tradition of preparing for final exams. Whether it is one of their first or final exams, the prospect of looming tests prompts most students to seek a place on campus that is quiet and comfortable, with few distractions.

“I usually only study in the library when I’m working with a friend on class work,” says Melody Acosta ’12. “Other than that, I only study in my room because I have a single and won’t be distracted.”

In spite of a multitude of study venues all over campus, the Warren Hunting Smith Library continues to function as the main hub of activity during reading days and finals.

“In the library, we see more students coming through our doors and greater numbers of students who linger longer at the tables and carrels – as well as a few more coffee cups and empty snack wrappers,” says Associate Director for Technical Services Sara Greenleaf. “By the beginning of reading days, both circulation and reference services focus more heavily on assisting students with meeting curricular needs, noting not so much an increase in the number of students seeking assistance, but more in depth meetings to solve research problems.” 

“It feels crazy because the semester went by so fast! I feel relieved and excited for break,” says Caitlyn D’Agati ’15. “I just took my first final exam and it’s like a little of the load was lifted off of my shoulders. I’m excited to start new classes next semester.”

While many will head to the library to claim a carrel, Celeste Smith ’12 prefers to study in a particular space based on what she is doing. “If I’m reading, I like the second floor of the library or the second floor of Scandling,” says Smith. “If I’m writing papers or studying for a big test, I like to be in the kitchen of my Odell’s unit.”

Although the library presents the most obvious place for studying, buildings all over campus offer empty rooms and extended hours to students vying for a spot to prepare for finals.

Main Library  

Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Barron Lab/Library Atrium  

24 hours a day/7 days a week.

Sanford Room           

Monday-Friday, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Blackwell Room- 1st Level        

Monday-Friday, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Weekend, 24-hour study

Blackwell Room- 2nd Level              

Open 24 hours/7 days a week

Intercultural Affairs House                  

Open most nights until 5 a.m.

Rosenberg 009 (Computer Lab)      

Monday-Friday, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Weekends, 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Gulick (206A, 206B, 208)          

Monday- Friday, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Weekends, 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Blue Room (Saga)             

24-hour study, Reading Days and Finals

Student Activities Center                

24-hour study, Reading Days and Finals

Wasey Room                                 

24-hour study, Reading Days and Finals

Café                          

Scandling Hours

General purpose classrooms are also available for individual and/or group study when not being used by a class or event. Go to the Classroom Reservation System to check for availability.