With exams, projects, and countless papers always on my mind, I'm always on the search for great places to study and finish everything I need to do. Over the past couple of years, I've found some places around the wonderful city of San Marcos that I consider my list of "go-to's" when it comes to studying.

1. Alkek Library

I know that this is probably a no-brainer. Thousands of students use Alkek as a study hangout, so, of course, it's on my list. I really like to study on the fifth and seventh floors of the library. The fifth floor is a quiet floor so I know that I won't be disturbed by loud noises. I like the seventh floor because has an awesome view of campus and San Marcos.

2. Mochas and Javas on North LBJ

They recently relocated to basically a couple of feet from their original location, but it's still just as wonderful. Not only do they have great coffee and friendly staff, but the atmosphere is so peaceful and nice, that it actually makes you want to study.

3. Einstein Bros Bagels at the Den

If you are blessed enough to have swipes, then please take advantage of Einstein Bros. I would always go here freshman year early in the morning to study. It's nice because you can get yourself a bagel and some coffee while you study and there is practically no one there. Around lunchtime is when it get's pretty busy, but it's perfect if you're like me and like to wake up early to study.

4. Sewell Park

While Sewell Park is known for floating the river, Bikini Hill, the "Polar Plunge," and Frisbee Dan, it's actually not that bad of a place to study. I usually go during the spring/summer time when it's still a little cool enough to just relax outside without dying from heatstroke. If you don't mind the background noise of people swimming and playing sports, then it's the perfect place to study all while working on your tan.

5. George's in LBJ Student Center

Georges is a pretty good place to study if you're on campus and aren't needing to cram for a test. It's where I do a bunch of assignments or organize everything for the week. It can get a little loud sometimes with the music and people playing pool or ping pong, but it's a good place to hang out in between classes to eat lunch and work on assignments.

6. Old Main

I basically live in Old Main, so, of course, it's on my list of favorite places to study. After you make the climb up to the building you're usually out of breath and sweating, even if it's 32 degrees outside. However, although it's a journey to get to, Old Main has great computer labs to work on projects or assignments. They recently renovated parts of the building to include even more labs that are really nice and have brand new computers. The atmosphere is always relaxing and quiet, but that might just be all the students trying to catch their breath.

7. Wake the Dead Coffee House

I've only been to Wake the Dead a couple of times, but I've always enjoyed the atmosphere and friendly staff. I've gone usually during the late evenings so it's cool enough to sit outside to study or work on assignments.

8. My house

I know that people always say not to study in your room or a place where you can be distracted, but sometimes it's nice studying in a place that is your own. Plus, wearing pajamas while studying isn't a bad thing. However, I don't ever study or do homework on my bed. I know that as soon as I lay on it, I'm done. So I've found ways to make my house or my room comfy, but not too comfy to where I just want to watch Netflix all day.