This is part two of a study spot series. Catch part one on off-campus options here.

It’s that time of the semester — the realization that oh, we’re actually going to be tested on this, has set in and the feeling that there are simply not enough hours of the day to get everything done is well-worn and familiar. To alleviate my own stress, through a thorough research and judging process (read as: my own vibe checks), I have rated possible on-campus study spots for when the finals-week anxiety really hits.

1). Stuart 4th floor sitting area: 7/10 

In the interest of transparency – I did not realize this was a study spot until a couple of weeks ago. The benefits are that it’s quiet, well-lit, and there’s a bowl that usually contains tootsie rolls about twenty feet away if you need a sweet treat. The climb up offers a way to still get your steps in when you’ve been looking at legal texts for the past 100 hours, and if you’re someone who likes to chat, no one will look for you up there. 

The downside is if you’re someone who likes to print, you’re going to have to commute to get to a printer. It’s also a bit too exposed for my liking. 

2). Outside 6/10 

Okay, I know the weather’s been nice, but it’s still a little bit too cold for me to seriously contemplate taking all my books out there. The sunshine does wonders to remind you that there will be a tomorrow after finals week, but sometimes, that makes it hard to see the computer screen. And despite how heavy our textbooks are, every time a strong wind flips pages for me, I can feel stress-induced rage build up, and I’m pretty sure that’s not good for my health. 

3). The library 9/10 

You know it, you love it, the all time classic. The pros seem endless: it’s quiet, the lighting isn’t too terrible, you feel very studious, there are printers, there are study rooms – it’s every law student’s dream. Large tables and small study booths let you choose whether to study with friends and bond through challenges or grab an unobtrusive seat in a corner by yourself and lock in. 

The only reason it doesn’t have a perfect rating, however, is that the deep wall of quiet you walk into can be a bit intimidating for someone who needs to verbally process information. Also – total silence is very distracting. And despite how productive I will feel there, I will inevitably see someone being much more productive than I am. For the sake of my ego, I usually find somewhere else to study. 

4). Abandoned classroom 8/10 

You’ve heard of method acting – now try method test-taking, a fun new activity where you simulate test conditions via a dead-silent classroom. If you can study there, you can study anywhere. 

5). The cafeteria 7/10 

Pros: There’s snacks close by, it’s not too far from the benefits of the library, and the constant low levels of noise means that no one will judge you if you read your memo out loud to yourself for the thirtieth time.

Cons: I like to chit chat, and the cafeteria gives me way too many opportunities to do that. I’m easily distracted, so what is on the TVs will inevitably drag me out of the work I’m doing. There’s also either no outlets or they’re very well hidden, and if I can’t trust that my computer will last a study session, it’s a no-go for me. 

6). The Yellow Room 10/10 

My preferred study spot. It’s basically perfect. There’s enough background noise that it helps me focus. When I have headphones in, I can work for a while without being distracted. There’s multiple outlet options available so I do not need to worry about my computer dying at a crucial moment, and the Legal Eagle cafe is close enough that I can reward myself with a sweet treat the minute I check something off my to-do list. 

The large windows also allow you to see the sunshine; however, the only con is they also let you see just how much time has passed you by while you were frantically trying to remember the test for supplemental jurisdiction. 

At the end of the day, there is no objectively perfect study spot – it all depends on your personality and your needs at the moment. It’s important to recognize that no one location will suit all your needs and to allow yourself – and your study plans – to be flexible.

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Samantha Torre is a 1L student at BC Law. Contact her at torrs@bc.edu.