While pursuing your higher education, developing effective study habits is of the utmost importance for absorbing the information you’re learning. The proper place to study, much like the old real estate adage, is all about “location, location, location.” Research has long shown that where a person studies has a huge impact on how well they retain the material. Main factors include good lighting, minimal distractions and little to no background noise. Apartments and dorm rooms can become too comfortable and are full of distractions like video games, wanting to sleep and roommates. While at NSU, it’s important to take time to study in an environment that is comfortable and productive to your own individual needs. Luckily, there are many easily accessible options for students across campus.
The Alvin Sherman Library
The Alvin Sherman Library is one of the largest public private libraries in the state, providing a plentiful amount of spaces to study. The five-story building houses a 2,500-square-foot collaborative study area designed for students to easily work together on group projects without the typical notion of needing to stay silent. There are computers open for use by all NSU students and there is even a highly recommended deli with abundant seating and a calming view of Gold Circle Lake. For those who would like a private area to themselves, there are 22 study rooms available free of charge. It fits all the criteria of a healthy working environment while being directly in the center of NSU’s heart of information and academic assistance.
Coffee shops
For those who like to work in a busier area, coffee shops are a wonderful option. In the Carl DeSantis Building, Einstein Bros. Bagels is a wonderful place for studying, as well as treating yourself to some bagels as the name suggests. Long rows of comfortable couches and table seating, combined with the close proximity of the classrooms, makes this a great place for study groups and last-minute exam reviews during the day. Meanwhile, located in the Don Taft University Center, the Starbucks is also a central feature for many students’ meet ups and caffeine fixes. It is also a comfortable and well-lit area that is open most hours of the day and night, with hours only fluctuating during the holidays.
Outdoor workspaces
If you desire the fresh air of an outdoor workspace, there are tables outside of the University Center, bookstore and residence halls that can even fit large study groups. For a secluded area, the Healing and Medicinal Garden, created by the College of Pharmacy, has multiple cooled stone tables and two small gazebos. These are ideal to enjoy the temperate weather of South Florida and relax while you study.
Studying at night
While these all work for daytime and most of the evenings, some students prefer to study at night. There are spaces always available around the University Center with comfortable couches and many tables, perfect for any time. For those in the dorms, almost every floor of the dorm buildings has a study room freely available for students at any time — day or night. Some are small and comfortable for one or a few people, like the first floor of Leo Goodwin, and some have space for large study groups, like the third floor of The Commons.
Studying, much like the rest of education, is a very individualized experience. Students should find what environments work best for them. There is plenty of room across NSU’s campus for you to find a study place to call your own.
