In the weeks before finals, competition for studying space in Tisch Library's various nooks, crannies and quiet rooms is like a standoff between cowboys in an old Western movie. Students weave through vast expanses of desks and chairs, all filled with students, and all utterly silent.
The odd flick of a page or loud sigh breaks the silence like tumbleweed brushing over the dry, caked desert ground. With their laptops in their messenger bags, a collegiate interpretation of the gun in the holster, students search for the ultimate trick pony: a study cubicle with a working outlet.
While the silence and pressure of the library create a perfect environment for some students' concentration, pre-finals crowds have spurred some Jumbos to look beyond the library and seek alternative study locations both on- and off-campus.
Escaping distraction and noise is a priority for some, while others simply look for a fresh environment. Laptop computers and books have been making more frequent appearances in Carmichael Dining Hall, for example, where students use their mealtime as an opportunity to multi-task.
Freshman Duncan Pickard said the dining hall is a convenient study spot.
"I don't study in Tisch Library because it's too far away and it's always crowded anyway," he said. "I study best when there's some kind of noise, like music without words or the Carmichael buzz in the background. I study in places like Carmichael because if that's where I am and I've brought stuff with me, it's easier to sit down and work if I feel like I can be productive."
Pickard, a Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senator, also found it convenient to study in the Senate office, "because there isn't anyone there."
Freshman Dave Billig, a DJ at WMFO, utilized the radio station as a workspace.
"I've only studied there once, and it was to write a paper," Billig said. "The idea of it was convenient because I needed to be at Cousens Gym for crew practice two hours after my show, and I knew that the light would be out in my room, since I have a different sleep schedule from my roommate. It would be difficult to write my paper in the dark."
Billig soon discovered that the radio station was not just a practical solution, but an enjoyable work atmosphere.
"There is a lot of space and you're the only one there," he said. "There are couches, which aren't like the crappy couches in the dorm, and you can lock it so that you don't have people walking by. I could focus, and even though there was all that music that was potentially distracting, it wasn't nearly as distracting as my room."
While Billig and Pickard found hidden spaces on campus, other students venture further off the hill to be productive. Coffee shops are a popular location for those looking for a change of pace.
"I generally like working in coffee houses. The fact that the atmosphere is constantly changing, with different people, means you can be there all day but not feel like you have been studying all day," Tara Umbrino, a freshman who frequents True Grounds in Ball Square, said. "I was there all day with a friend and we felt like we'd been there for about an hour."
Umbrino had noticed True Grounds on her daily bus ride, and decided to try it for studying.
"It's nice because they have free WiFi and really good coffee and chai. If I have to sit down and pound out a paper, I do that much better in the library, but when I'm reading, I like a busier atmosphere," she said.
Sophomore Alex Schuman also visits the coffeeshop when she needs to work.
"I feel like when I go to the library, it's more a social time than a study time, because I see everybody and their mom. At True Grounds, it's way more focused," Schuman said.
Even though it takes longer to reach her study destination, Schuman doesn't mind.
"It's nice to get off campus sometimes and get a change of atmosphere. Even though it's a little bit of a trek, it's worth it. Usually I go for a day and not just an hour - I'll have a meal, relax, and study," she said.
Schuman mentioned that other coffee houses, such as the Davis Square Starbucks, Diesel Caf?© and Brown and Brew, are all popular study locations.
Another option for a select group of students is going home to study. Freshman Luc?a Flores, a Medford resident, occasionally visits her family in order to get work done.
"My floor is pretty lively, and although I love that, I figure that if I go home I can isolate myself, and try to get work done, even though that doesn't always happen," Flores said. "If I need help I have my parents I can go to, just like high school. I'm comfortable at my house, as I should be, so it's not stressful trying to get my work done there."
Overall, the consensus among students was that alternative study locations were helpful in accomplishing their goals.
"Alternative locations, by definition, are where there are less people, so you are more productive," Billig said.
Schuman agreed.
"I think that it's really important to switch things up or you'll get really bored, and instead of studying you'll just talk to friends," Schuman said.
Pickard felt that regardless of what type of study environment students are searching for, they will be able to find it at or near Tufts.
"I don't have any problem finding some place quiet to study. Either there isn't anyone in my room, or I just have to go to the library or Carmichael, and it's perfectly fine. I don't see a need for anything added," he said.
