With finals week quickly approaching, it is prime crunch-time to start studying and making up extra work you've missed throughout the semester. This week -- the week before finals -- can LITERALLY make you or break you. That being said, for many of us, studying in the comfort of our own home is nearly impossible. One second, you're looking over your notes, and the next, you're binge-watching Netflix in bed. Personally, I have found that studying in different environments helps me to focus on retaining material. Here is a quick rundown of my top favorite places to study (on and off-campus) in Murray, KY:
1. Gigabites Café and Deli
This cozy little café sits at 104 N 15th Street, right across from Sparks Hall! They carry a variety of delicious sandwiches and baked goods, as well as coffees and teas! They have wifi and are open from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday.
2. Pogue Library
Self-described as "the quietest place on campus," Pogue Library is a fine jewel in the crown of Murray State University. Its beautiful architecture and extensive historical collection make it a truly enchanting place to study. Hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
3. 5th and Main
This friendly little coffee shop is located on the corner of 5th and Main, as the name suggests. It is attached to New Life Christian Bookstore and is a wonderful place to study. They even have a BOTTOMLESS cup of coffee, for when one cup just won't cut it! Open from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
4. Central Park
Murray's Central Park has several very nice pavilions that are wonderful to study in! Be aware, however, that the pavilions are able to be reserved, so make sure you don't crash someone's birthday party!
5. The Quad
The quad is also a great place to study if you like being outside. String a hammock up or lay a beach towel down, and hit the books!
6. The Classroom Where The Exam Will Be Held
Okay, this is by far not the most comfortable option on the list; however, there are advantages to studying in the classroom! You are more likely to associate the information you learn with your environment if you are forced to recall the information there. If you get there early on exam day, you can even ensure that you get to keep your seat, especially if the professor likes to space students out during exams. Be sure to check with the department if you are not sure when the room is in use!
7. Murray Donuts
Perfect for an early morning pick-me-up! Murray Donuts bakes fresh donuts in nearly every imaginable form, including maple topped with bacon. They have meeting/study tables upstairs. Open from 4:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 5 a.m.-2 pm. on Sunday!
8. The Curris Center
The Curris Center is a social hub that provides many services and resources for the campus, community and the region. In addition, there are three floors of potential study spots, with tables, chairs and couches! Open Monday-Sunday, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
9. Waterfield Library
Waterfield Library is a wonderful place to study, with over half a million books and a small coffee shop on the main floor (and as you may have noticed, I am drawn to coffee when I study). There is a computer lab on the main floor, and quiet areas upstairs and downstairs, perfect for a distraction-free study session. Open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-12:30 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.-12 a.m.
10. The Jesse L. Jones Family Clock Tower
Under the Jesse L. Jones Clock Tower is a large student lounge area that is wonderful for studying. There are vending machines, couches, tables, chairs and a conference room. It is situated directly between the chemistry and biology departments.
11. Hart Thoroughbrewed Café
Serving Starbucks coffee, this coffee shop accepts flex! There are plenty of tables and chairs, so it's a great place to study with friends! Open Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.-10:30 p.m., and Sunday 3 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
