Photo courtesy of archdaily.com || Students looking for study space as Neilson construction begins will find some new spaces in the Campus Center, pictured above.
Not all study spots are created equal. With Neilson Library under construction, students such as myself are scrambling around campus to find new spots to study. However, there are plenty of areas around campus that offer a similar environment, especially with the help of Smith’s new app SmithScape. SmithScape helps students find places to study across campus that meet specific criteria, such as lighting and ambient noise, as well as the availability of amenities such as printers, whiteboards, outlets and vending machines.
Here are a couple of areas you can hit up in Smith and beyond for happy studying.
Campus Center: This is a great spot if you’re working with a study group for a project. There is tons of space around the Campus Center, from the cafe, lower level couches or the Red Room. Although there is a bit of traffic, this building is a great area to write papers and grab a cup of Joe.
Ford Hall: Probably one of the best places on campus if you’re looking for a nice and quiet study space. With large windows and tables along the sides of the staircase, the view outside will inspire your creative thinking. If you’re feeling like you just need to bang out some work, head down the hall to one of the many classrooms.
Woodstar Cafe: Living in Northampton does have its perks, and one of them is Woodstar Cafe. Check out this local, family-owned bakery, especially if you are feeling a bit hungry or craving something sweet. There are a variety of food and drink options such as hot chocolate, sandwiches and home-baked goods. The atmosphere itself is very bright and relaxing, so it is the perfect place to come with a book or your work.
Pulaski Park: Just outside of campus, Pulaski Park is a nice area to do some light studying during this time of year. Unique in design and structure, the park itself is divided into different sections so people can eat lunch, converse and relax.
Libraries: Last but not least, there are three other libraries on campus: Hillyer Art Library, Josten Performing Arts Library and Young Science Library. Each library has its own unique characteristics. These buildings are close enough to the dorms with easy access to resources. Students can also reserve study carrels with a first-come, first-served reserving policy (only valid for the academic year). To do so, bring your OneCard to the Circulation Desk at the library. The libraries also have a surplus of study rooms, access to computers and printers available to use.
