Top 5 Places to Study on Campus

With the remaining three days of finals week, the only thing we’re supposed to be thinking about is studying. However, by now, with some students already finished with their finals, you may have experienced moments where your “freed” peers are too loud for you to get any work done. Let’s be honest here, the last thing we want to do is be studying, but changing up where you do it can give you the little jolt of motivation that you may need.

1. 18th Avenue Library

The 18th Avenue Library is near and dear to north campus dwellers. With its three floors and hundreds of computers, it’s a great place to study. It’s also an amazing place gather with your friends because of its more conversation-friendly spaces. One example is the third floor, a place free from the scary “hear-a-pin-drop” silence of other library  locations.

Pros:

  • Open 24/7
  • Has a café on the main floor

Cons:

  • Smaller than Thompson
  • Not as aesthetically pleasing (but who has time to look at anything apart from your textbooks anyway?)

2. Thompson Library

This is a favorite place for many students and with approximately 1,800 places to sit, it’s the largest of Ohio State’s 12 libraries. It also has rooms that you can book in advance for you to study with your friends. When inside, be sure to check out the 11th floor’s spectacular view!

*Tip: The Buckeye Grand Reading room is a popular spot, so make sure that once you nag a seat you stay there!

Pros:

  • Berry Café on the main floor
  • It’s an overall beautiful place

Cons:

  • It’s super easy to get distracted by people watching

3. Keith B. Key Center for Student Leadership and Service 

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This corner of the Union near the resource room is a great spot to study. A ton of student organizations have their offices in this area, and generally, it is one of the quieter areas of the Union.  There’s always stuff going on in the building, so you can grab a bite or see what’s going on around campus during your study breaks. In addition, if you ask the front desk within the resource room, you can rent out some of the office spaces in the leadership center for free.

Pros:

  • Access to food, social areas and many locations
  • Private study rooms may be available

Cons:

  • It’s easy to get distracted
  • Often busy

4. Orton Library

Orton Hall is the building with the famous bell tower.  Within the building is a hidden gem, the library on the first floor; it is very homey and has the coolest little nooks to work in. In addition, it’s pretty small and quiet, so you won’t have to fear as many distractions.

Pros:

  • Quiet and cozy

Cons:

  • No food
  • Small
  • Fewer outlets
  • Limited hours

5. Various tutoring centers on campus

This can really vary depending on your major and department and on your teacher. However, for those who are taking larger lecture classes (chemistry or math), these areas can be great resources where you can study and get help at the same time. They centers vary by location and specific hours, so make sure to check with your professors, TA’s and class resources to see if one is available for you.

Pros:

  • One-on-one help

Cons:

  • Dependent on class
  • Time restrictions
  • Often busy

For additional study spots and altered library hours check library.osu.edu. Happy studying and good luck with the rest of your finals!

Don’t Fear Finals: 5 Study Tips From an Upperclassman

Finals are one of those things you think you’ll never get use to while you’re in college. But after five semesters of college, I can honestly tell you that they get more manageable as time goes on. The first set may seem overwhelming now, but when you get a few under your belt you will realize that they aren’t as terrible as they might seem. For now, here are a few ways to make your life a little easier.

1. Ask questions and take advantage of office hours.

I never realized the benefit of going to office hours and asking questions until I actually went and tried it for myself. Most people don’t like to ask questions in front of a huge lecture hall (I know I don’t) and may leave a little unsure of the material. Professors love when students come to office hours and make an effort to understand their material. It shows that you are putting in the time to understand the course, and it really makes you stand out. Professors are great to work with one on one and are great resources if you are ever confused. It also helps to go straight to the source because nobody can understand a professor’s lecture better than the professor.

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2. Study a little bit each day.

Don’t procrastinate. If you start a few days in advance and study a little bit each day, it makes going through all of the material a little less overwhelming. I find it helpful to write in my planner specific things and times that I want to study each day. This helps me balance studying with all of the other things I have going on during the day. Also, I find it helpful to take short breaks while I am studying for extended periods of time. It gives my brain a chance to relax and regroup and helps me study more effectively for longer.

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3. Find a study spot that works best for you.

Everybody studies better in different places. Some prefer complete quiet, and others don’t mind studying around a lot of people, so find a place that suits you best and stick to it. I really enjoy sitting in front of the big fireplaces in the Union or finding a table in Thompson and camping out for a few hours. Finding a place where you are comfortable and can focus will be crucial to studying well.

Some popular study spots include:

  • 18th Ave Library
  • The Wexner Center for the Arts
  • Billy Ireland Cartoon Library
  • Geology Library in Orton Hall
  • Prior Health Sciences Library
  • RPAC
  • Residence Hall basements
  • Academic classrooms

4. Find a way to study that works for you.

Not all the same study habits work for the same people. Find what works best for you and run with it! You may find that what you have been doing all along can be better by adding in different study habits. Sometimes I color coordinate my notes with pens or highlighters to make the information clear and separate. Other times I will use Quizlet to create an online practice test switch it up (they also have an app that you can use on the go). Finding study methods that work for you will help you to understand the material faster and more thoroughly.

5. Take care of yourself.

I understand firsthand the effects that finals have on our schedules. It is easy to sacrifice sleep for a few extra hours of studying or to eat out all week for the sake of time. It is important to take care of your body during finals week so that you can stay healthy and on top of your game. Get good amounts of sleep and drink a lot of water! If you are going to order out, try to aim for a healthier alternative rather than the greasy foods that are high in fats and sugars. Maintaining a healthy body will help your brain be able to work more effectively while you study. After all, if you aren’t mentally present because you’re exhausted, then your ‘studying’ isn’t doing you much good anyway!

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Headed Home For The Holidays? 5 Ways to Get Back

No car on campus? Mom and Dad don’t want to make the round trip drive to swing by Ohio State and get you, then drive all the way home? Don’t fret! There are tons of other ways to get home for the holiday break.

1. OSU Facebook Rideshare Page

While the idea of getting into a car with a stranger might not appeal to everyone, I can say from experience the OSU rideshare page really is a great resource to use! People on the page are going everywhere from Cleveland to New York and anywhere else you could imagine. It’s a great way to make some new friends, and usually all you need to have a good time is pitch in for gas money, bring some snacks, and don’t forget all of your favorite road trip games.

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2. Greyhound Bus

The bus has kind of a bad reputation, but in reality (from experience, again), it’s actually a nice way to get places. Greyhound buses aren’t too expensive, you can go to the bathroom whenever you want, and there’s free Wi-Fi! Also, you can get a student advantage card and score some deals.

 

3. AMTRAK

Trains are pretty awesome — they are like buses but even better. Especially if you are taking it a really long distance, a train is a great option, and a lot cheaper than flying. While a train isn’t always the quickest mode of transportation, you can get food, your own car, and pretty much do whatever you could do in your dorm or any other building. The downside to taking a train — there isn’t a station in Columbus. There are a lot of train stations that are close, but you’ll probably need to take a bus to get there.

 

4. Fly: Port Columbus International Airport

Now if you live really far away, a plane is probably your best option. Although plane tickets can be pretty expensive, it’s also the fastest way to get around. Flying by yourself for the first time can be an intimidating experience, but it’s not as bad as you may think. The Columbus airport is relatively small, and very easy to navigate. Have a friend drive you to the airport or take a taxi. Just make sure you check all of the baggage guidelines and have all of your flight information ready before you leave.

 

5.  Floo Powder

Well hey- if all else fails you could give it a try.

Floo Powder. Diagonally. by roobarbcrumble

So You’ve (Almost) Finished Your First Semester of College…

What next? 

Here are a few pointers to get you started on your break — don’t worry it involves a great deal of relaxing!

Look over your grades and make sure they are correct

Sometimes professors make mistakes, and if this happens, they want you to bring it to their attention. They want the most accurate grade for you.

Take a deep breath!

Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth — you did it! Go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back.

Check your schedule for next semester

Are you on a wait list? ​If so, contact the professor and check on availability. You may have to choose another class, so make sure you stay on top of that over winter break. The sooner you seek out a new class the better chance you have of finding one to fit your schedule.

Going home?

Safe travels! Something to keep in mind: last year I took clothes home and changed my wardrobe for the season!

Enjoy family time and hope for a white December!

Everyone do your snow day dance with your pajamas on inside out!

As you complete your first semester at Ohio State, you should be proud of yourself. Whether you had a rough first semester or a really good semester, you are done! Just remember: you are one semester closer to graduating.

Now you get a break — RELAX THE BRAIN!

Forget Freezing: 5 Ways to Stay Warm on Your Walk to Class

  1. Learn shortcuts through building: Almost all campus buildings are unlocked when you are likely walking to class, so start walking through them. Many of the buildings have clear paths through the main level that you can cut through. Even if it takes a few minutes longer, I personally would rather take a few extra minutes in a warm building over freezing in the cold or slipping on the ice outside.University Hall Snow
  2. Learn to knit (or make a friend who is great at knitting): Rather than having to use your precious paycheck to buy scarves, beanies, and gloves, why not learn to make them yourself? Make all your friends jealous with the many different colored beanies and scarves you have to go with every outfit. Plus, a bright colored beanie or scarf might be just what you need to brighten up a cold, dreary walk to your 8 a.m. class across campus.Yarn
  3. Take a bus: You’ve probably heard this time and time again, but CABS buses are free to use, so why not utilize them? If you don’t have the OSU Mobile App, make sure to get it to keep track of bus times. After a few trips you will likely learn exactly how many minutes it takes you to get from your dorm room to the closest bus stop. Once you figure that out, you can minimize how long you have to stand in the cold waiting for the bus if you have the app on your phone. CABS bus
  4. Layers, layers, layers! Don’t forget to wear layers so you don’t overheat when you get to class. Even though it may be annoying at first to practically have to undress when you get to class, just realize everyone else is in the same boat and it is better to take off a few layers when you get there than to freeze outside or burn up inside.Ohio Snow
  5. Run Forrest Run! Let’s face it, when that wind is blowing and there is no bus around, some days you are just going to have to bear the cold and get to class. But just remember on those days to leave a few minutes early so you have plenty of time once you arrive to class to get the feeling back into your hands and face to be ready and prepared for class to start. Nobody wants to be the one who walks in late with a bright red face from the cold and interrupts class as they struggle to take off all their jackets, scarves, and gloves. Walk in Snow Meme