Margarita Blackwood
The class of 2028 is compiled with many different backgrounds and brings conflicting ideals to New Haven. From speaking to my classmates, however, there seems to be one thing we can all agree on: no one was expecting this much work in the first week of classes. I do not quite know what I thought Yale would be like, but somehow in my fantasy I omitted doing work. There is no escaping it now, though. The only thing left for me to do is find a great study spot that will inspire me to keep going. And what’s a great study spot, you ask? For me, it’s a building that transports me into a Gilmore Girls episode — one in which Rory doesn’t drop out of Yale. But what do I know… I have been here only for 27 (?) days. So here are five study spots around campus you should explore, each recommended by a different upperclassman, with an updated review by me and the same group of friends.
- Kline Tower: If you are a science major, I am sure you already know Kline Tower by now. Placed at the center of Science Hill, the location is central and convenient. This is the perfect spot to have some focus time while you wait between your classes. Either take a table at Steep Café or take advantage of the sunny weather — while it lasts — and get your vitamin D in! Like all cafés and outdoor spaces, there is some background noise, but, if it’s not rush hour and you have good noise-canceling headphones, it’s mostly not noticeable. Rating 5/5
- Philosophy Reading Room: Located on the 6th floor of Sterling. Absolutely gorgeous. Small space, but the overflowing bookshelves make it so cozy. If you are not a humanities major, you may feel out of place in this room. Beware: it’s reserved for DS on Wednesdays (but do they even check?) For those who, like me, value aesthetics: the individual tables facing the window have an incredible view of Harkness Tower. Rating 5/5
- Residential Colleges Common Rooms: We found them to be the absolute best spot for “studying,” meaning you have to get work done but don’t have a strict deadline. This is the place to laugh with your friends while you are “being productive.” Nobody will call you out for being loud, because it’s not really a study spot, and, most of the time, they’re either empty or near empty! Will you get your work done? Maybe not. Will it be a fun study session? Definitely yes. Rating 5/5
- Music Library: In Sterling, but it feels like a whole different world. We stayed in the upper level and WOW. The high ceilings give you an extra boost of motivation. The perfect ambiance for locking in — it’s extremely silent. Maybe too silent; when I was there, a guy farted and everyone (I mean, EVERYONE) looked up and burst out laughing. The only thing I would appreciate is smaller tables. Rating: 4.5/5
- Tsai City: If you get sick of all the old architecture (why would you though?), this aquarium-looking building might be the place for your next study session. This one is also a quieter space, with upbeat background music (which I didn’t appreciate), and no other freshmen in sight. There are whiteboards you can use all over the space! Rating 3/5
Give them all a try and keep an open eye to other hidden gems that might cross your way over the semester. Onto the next week we go; good luck everyone!