By Imaginary Gardens Staff, Introduction by Anna Trevathan, Managing Editor
Every student has their favorite place to get some work done, whether it’s the sunny corner of the library or their own cozy bedroom. Finding that right spot where you can focus and tune out the rest of the world can make the difference between getting through all the assignments or falling asleep before you even find the Brightspace page.
The Imaginary Gardens team rounded up all of our go-to study spaces. These are the places that keep us in coffee, motivation, or in comfort.
Let’s put you on to your next potential study spot.
The Newsroom™
Emma: The Newsroom is the perfect place for IG staff to come chill and get projects done! Whether you are writing an article or catching up on homework, my favorite place is getting it done with my Imaginary Garden family!
The Library: Special Study Rooms
Schroeder: My favorite place to grade, write, and yeah, dream up new ideas is the special study rooms in the Hardin Valley Educational Resource Center (ERC), aka the library. The three rooms on the second floor are divine – big windows, a whiteboard, and a giant table to hold all of my grading. I’m not on other campuses often, but the libraries on the Strawberry Plains and Magnolia campuses also inspire concentration in my soul. Team Library forever!
The Courtyard/Any Outside Location
Bean: Although the courtyard can be noisy at times, I find solace in knowing the world continues on around me. It’s very easy for me to fall into the black hole of college, but being outside allows me to be grounded at all times, even in the evil world of calculus.
Anna’s Bedroom
Anna: When it’s late at night and I’m trying to finish up an assignment, if I’m being real, I’m working in my bed. It’s a space with pillows galore, my favorite candle burning, and an episode of Gilmore Girls running in the background. Especially when I realize that there are topics I don’t fully understand, homework can be an uncomfortable thing for me – so having a comfortable space to go through that experience is something very valuable to me.
The Haslam Building: Windows on the First Floor
Kiera: The seating area in the Haslam building on the first floor near the windows is a great study spot for me. I love the natural light the windows bring in. I always feel happier, lighter, and more energetic by being in a spot with a lot of sunlight. The big windows make the space feel more open and less cramped, giving me a clear mind to get work done. I like that it’s usually quiet, but still has a steady flow of people, so it feels motivating without being distracting to me.
The Haslam Building: Big Booth Seats
Addison: The big booth seats in the Haslam building are perfect for stretching out and taking a nap if needed. They’re fairly comfortable and are tall enough to provide just the right amount of coziness and privacy without being a separate room. It’s fairly quiet and, as a plus, is near the math and science classes.
McWherther: By the Vending Machines
Kiera: The first floor of McWherther by the vending machines is another ideal spot for me to study. It’s very convenient for me, since I have classes in the building and it’s easy to access. It’s an open area so I don’t feel claustrophobic sitting in a booth and the huge blue vents right by the tables keep it more private and closed off, which I appreciate. I like that the snacks and drinks are right there because it reminds me to take a quick break here and there, while not losing overall study time. The area has a casual vibe that helps me feel comfortable while still getting work done, making it a reliable place to focus.
Hey Bear Cafe
Draven: Since it’s right by my house and relatively on the way to the college, I’m always stopping by Hey Bear; so, naturally, I often just stay there and do whatever work I have on my plate for the day. With whatever drink, music, and spot I’m in the mood for (I have many faves), I can lock in and chill with the people around me. It’s a great spot to lift your spirits and relax while getting things done (or getting distracted by friends and Instagram reels).
Straw Plains Campus: Third Floor (near the Nursing Classes)
Amelia: Last year, I went to Straw Plains campus since it was the only campus I could go to with my parents driving me, so I often arrived at campus at around 7a.m. and left around 4p.m. Due to this long time spent at the campus, I’d often coop up in the third floor lounge by the adjunct office for lunch or doing homework while I waited on my mom to pick me up. Even though I haven’t stepped foot in that campus in months, it still holds a special place in my heart and, in my opinion, nothing at the Hardin Valley campus could ever compare.
