Like it or not, a new school year is upon us. Summer fun is history and it’s time to hit the books. With cramming sessions in sight, there is an important question lingering for NMU newbies – and maybe even the confused veterans who haven’t quite gotten their act together: Where should I study?

THE BEST:
Upper Floor, Learning Resource Center
Sometimes it’s surprising how isolated and alone a student can feel once the trek is made up to the third floor of the LRC. Hidden deep in the depths of this floor are networked carrels, which are large wooden desks that cut you off from everything except your studies. Distractions are at an absolute minimum.

“When it’s business time, it’s always the third floor,” said Anthony Eisner, a senior Biology major. “It’s the quietest.”
Unless your dorm is inhabited by mimes, this is the ideal place to study.

Main Floor, Learning Resource Center
Although it’s not as peaceful as the third floor, the LRC’s main floor is a very suitable study atmosphere. The trick, however, is to be secluded in the far corners of the library. In the areas near the center aisle or near the circulation desk, constant chatter and dance-club ringtones will spoil a good study session.
“With the LRC building, as you go up in levels, the study environment gets better and better,” said junior criminal justice major Jon Dolkey.

Peter White Lounge, University Center
Getting away from the Academic Mall is a solid idea for serious studying. The Peter White Lounge offers a cozy environment with little traffic and few distractions. Sometimes the big screen television may present a problem, or the life-size Abe Lincoln statue, but there aren’t many distractions beyond that.
Sophomore computer information systems major Jeremy Wade comes to the lounge every day. “It’s always quiet. Before noon, there’s only a few people,” he said. “And it’s more comfortable – there are couches.”

Off-Campus: Peter White Library
Although out of the way, the Peter White Library may be the best study spot in town. An endless amount of desks, nooks and crannies can satisfy any student. With multiple floors and dozens of rooms, noise and disturbances are nearly eliminated.

THE WORST:

Starbucks Lounge, Learning Resource Center
Welcome to the social epicenter of the university. If you want to see everyone you know and not get a second of work done, plop down in a big purple chair in front of Starbucks.
“Starbucks is a little too noisy,” said Eisner. “People are always walking by and there’s just too much commotion.”

Hallway Tables, Learning Resource Center
The LRC and surrounding buildings aren’t referred to as the “Academic Mall” for nothing. Trying to study in this hallway is really like trying to study on a bench in the Mall of America. During the daytime, there is a constant flow of jabbering pedestrians in and out of the building. Fiera’s doesn’t help matters, either. Sizzling food, loud music and occasional frustrated HelpDesk customers ensure that any attempt at absorbing information in your studies will fail miserably.
“It’s awful down here in the middle of the day,” said senior music education major Jennifer Howell, while not studying at her table. “I can’t handle it!”