If you are new in town, you might wonder: where should I study? As
you can see from looking at the campus map, there are so many buildings with
unfamiliar names that the list can be overwhelming for new students and
scholars. Well, don’t worry. After I walk you through various locations in
central campus, I’m sure you will have a better grasp on where to go, depending
on your personal preference or what type of studying/research that you do.
(Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library)
There is no better place to start our little “journey” than the
Hatcher Graduate Library,
since it is conveniently located on the Diag at the center of central campus.
The Graduate Library is not only the University’s primary research collection
for the humanities and social sciences, but also the ideal place if you prefer
to study alone and quietly. Its reference room on second floor is arguably the
most popular spot in central campus for self-study: quite atmosphere, well-lit
tables and overstuffed chairs in the center! During fall and winter semester,
you will see that the room is crowded with students doing homework, writing
papers, and reading through large textbooks. If you want a place both quiet AND
private, take the elevator in the south building to the stacks (3-6 floors).
Each floor has multiple individual study rooms, though they tend to be small in
size.
(Shapiro Undergraduate Library)
Let’s move to the adjacent building, which is the ShapiroUndergraduate Library.
If you are the type of person who is not easily distracted by other people, or
if you like to study in a group, this may be the place for you. I’d say that
the atmosphere at Shapiro Library is more “inviting” than that of the Graduate
Library, and for this reason many students come to here to study in groups,
discuss ideas, hold meetings, or work on group projects. In fact, you can even
reserve group study space in Shapiro Library using the online reservationsystem.
This library also features Bert’s Café, which allows for easy access to coffee,
snacks, or meals (be sure to check its hours of operation!).
(The Reading Room at the Law
Library)
If you have been to the reference room at the Hatcher Library and
like the place, I strongly recommend that you visit the reading room at the LawLibrary.
The Law Quadrangle is designed in the English Gothic style, and you will be
absolutely fascinated by the interior of the reading room; studying there
almost makes you feel like you’re at Hogwarts in Harry Potter. Since the
reading room is extremely quiet – almost to the point of silence, I personally
go to the Law Library when I have a lot of readings to do. So if your field of
study requires you to read a lot, consider paying a visit to the reading room
at the Law Library – after all, it is the “reading room.”
Are you in need of a computer? Or more specifically, a desktop that
comes with large workspace? If this is the case, I’d normally advise you to go
to the Angell Hall Computing Site, but it is unfortunately closed during Spring/Summer
for renovation. It will reopen when the fall semester begins. However, you still
have a number of options. Both the Graduate (on its 2nd floor) and
Shapiro Library (on each floor) have multiple computers. If you prefer a very
large workstation along with dual-monitor desktop, visit the Clark Library
located on the 2nd floor in the Graduate Library.
(Why study in library if the weather
is this beautiful?)
Despite the long list, libraries are not the only place to read and
study. The Michigan Union offers a quiet study lounge that is spacious yet
cozy. The classrooms in Mason Hall can also be a great place to study (just make
sure whether or not the doors get locked after certain hours). And if none of
the above-mentioned locations suits your need or preference, it’s okay: simply
grab your book and go outside. You’re in one of the most beautiful cities in
the US, and you’re here in summertime. Anywhere you choose – be it coffee shops
or the Diag – can be a great place to study.
Undergraduate Student
Political Science and International Studies
