Students swarm to study spots

Finals time has once again arrived, and as usual, students are rushing to study for that ideal or, in some cases, barely passing grade. At this important moment in every student's life, only one question arises -- what is the best place to study? Students said they have different reasons for choosing a study place. Some choose their site based on its quiet environment or sociability. And others say staying awake is their most important consideration. The study area most favored by students are the Ashurst Lounge, Furness Library and Steinberg-Dietrich Hall. Wharton junior and Undergraduate Assembly Chairperson Dan Debicella said he prefers Furness Library because of its comfortable atmosphere. "There's a lot of room there and you spread out, kick back and study," he said. College freshman Lesley Silverio said she enjoys studying at Ashurst because of its lack of distractions. "[I like] Ashurst because it's at a convenient location and it's quiet," she said. Danielle Knopf said she prefers Ashurst and Steinberg-Dietrich because both places keep her awake. "[Both are] usually quiet, I'm not the only one there, so I won't fall asleep," the College freshman said. "If I'm there, I'm motivated by watching other people." College junior Tina Chinakarn said she likes studying at Houston Hall because of its flexible hours. "I like to study for finals there," she said. "They have free coffee and they're open during finals." But some students said they were most productive in the comfort of their own rooms. "I'd study at Furness but I end up admiring the architecture and not doing any work," Engineering and Wharton senior Craig Tyler said. "I prefer to study in my room -- study with music anyway." Wharton senior David Eline said he adds a romantic element to his pursuit of academic excellence. "I study in my room but I love [to go to] the Nursing Education Building," he said. "There is one person I know who studies there -- my girlfriend." Most students agree, though, that excessive sociability prevents productive studying. In addition to those who frequent the same study areas, there are some students who choose a variety of different spots. Other possible places for study are Rosengarten Reserve and Van Pelt Library. Rosengarten is regularly open from 8 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. Van Pelt Library's usual hours are 9 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. On Fridays, Rosengarten and Van Pelt close at 11 p.m. and 9 p.m. respectively.