As the new school year starts, students are getting out of their summer routines and back into the feel of school. As homework and assignments pick up, students are finding the best places to work on and complete these tasks. Whether it’s their favorite place on campus, a coffee shop, or even a bed, most students have a preference on where they do homework.

Each study space has its pros and cons. According to the University of People, a library can offer limited distractions, academic access, a social place, and the ability to ask for help. For students that view their home as a distraction or temptation the library may be a good option. Libraries usually contain books and some may contain computers that are open to the general public. These resources can be useful to certain people depending on what they need for certain assignments. Right here in Academy we have our own library in the 4th floor commons.

While public places like libraries have good study space qualities, they can also have some drawbacks. Libraries are popular study spots, meaning that they can get crowded pretty quickly. For a student that doesn’t like social interactions, studying in spaces like these may be uncomfortable. 

Camille King (‘27) says “The fourth floor commons in the morning before school is a very nice place to lock in. It is nice to sit by the window and look out at the bay whilst I get work done.”

A study space similar to libraries are coffee shops. Coffee shops give students a new environment that can provide a separator from temptations. Romanticizing school can be a good way to get through tedious tasks, and going to a coffee shop is a way to do that. People are able to buy snacks and work in a setting that’s not totally silent. 

A drawback to studying at a coffee shop is that they are frequently visited places that are louder than home settings at times. If noise is a deal-breaker, some public places may not be a good fit. In some cases these spaces may also be full or have limited seating. 

Gigi Luka (‘27) says “I like to study in a coffee shop because I like to feel aesthetic, drinking my tea and doing my homework with my headphones on. I like to go to Buddy Brew, because it is kinda chilly and I like to study in chilliers environments. It’s also quieter because they play the music quietly.”

A study space that’s  different from either of these is a student’s house. This study space acts as a familiar environment where distractions may be controllable. There are fewer risks when studying at home; for example you won’t have to interact with strangers or have to worry if there are free spaces.

Some cons to studying at home is that for some it may be difficult to differentiate relaxation and work. If your house is a place where you tend to chill and rest then studying could pose to be difficult. 

Finding your focus is important to get work done in an efficient and strategic way that allows a student to fully immerse themselves into their work.