There is no time to waste. In case you missed part one from last semester, here is a summary of what I wrote last time (with the addition of letter grades). The honorable mentions are: CJ, Third Floor, Nook Outside QSR Center (
D+
); Library, Third Floor, Balcony (
F
); KJ, Atrium (
C-
). The scores for spots 10–8 are as follows: Commons, South Side Balcony ©; Library, Second Floor, Group Tables (
C+
); Alumni Gym, Lobby (
B-
).
I trailed off in the first section — leaving you all with the tantalizing words “to be continued” — so for those who have been anxiously awaiting the second act, it is finally upon us…
7. Science Center, Atrium
If one were to make assessments on aesthetics alone, there would simply be no argument against this one at the top. It really is a beautiful place to study. The trees give you a natural feel, albeit one protected from the harsh winters of Clinton, NY. The spacious lobby of the Science Center is quiet and comfortable, often sneakily conducive to tuning out distractions and planting oneself down for a longer assignment. Where it falls short is in the practicality department. The lack of tables is a backbreaker; not only does this limit the type of work you can do, but group work is completely out of the question as well.
B
6. KTSA, Lawn
I take back what I said about aesthetics. I meant no disrespect to KTSA lawn, which, on a good day, could make a run at the Science Center atrium. It would be difficult to rank it much higher — especially given that it is only available about 3 months of the year — but in its prime, it is undoubtedly the optimal outdoor option. The lawn is uncommonly quiet for such a central location, and it provides a great balance of accommodation for both homework and alternative discussion. It feels like a more authentic Science Center lobby to me, since it also lacks the proper infrastructure for many traditional assignments. It is far from perfect, but when the birds are chirping, the pond flows and a light breeze tickles the grass, it certainly offers a bevy of advantages. Grade:
B
5. KTSA, Second Floor, Tables Next to the Balcony
In a certain paradoxical way, a lot of people opt for KTSA because nobody goes there. It is the Fritos of study spaces; everyone who has had the pleasure of experiencing its wonders knows of the fruit it can bear, but many sadly fail to embark on the journey. If you are looking for quiet there, quiet you will find. A very work-friendly environment, I find KTSA to be a great choice when complete focus is required. However, despite an exquisite view overlooking the lawn, the vibes at KTSA leave a bit to be desired. The silence can feel oppressive at times; at night, it would not be a bad place to set a horror movie. It is a top-five option for sure, but it lacks the versatility of some of my preferred options. Grade:
B+
4. KJ, Study Rooms
You all knew it was coming. I expect many of you are surprised not to see it higher, as the versatility of these study rooms is off the charts. The balance between group work capabilities and solo intent focus is impressive. Do not underestimate the location either. With a dining hall within a 30 second walk, vending machines even closer and a direct path to a professor to answer any questions for Economics and Government students, it really does check all of the boxes for a study space. So why do I not place it higher? We have seen some spaces with high grades in aesthetics and the indescribable quality of ‘vibe’ lower on this list. Few can match the practicality of the KJ Study Rooms, but the top 3 have a more complete profile, a balance between the two. Grade:
A-
3. Science Center, Basement, Circular Tables
The Science Center is my favorite building on campus and the basement offers a unique place to study that has a lot to offer. Strong in just about every regard, it has a fantastic balance of a quiet, comfy environment without the feeling of being detached from the rest of the world. Some of the library spaces or the nooks of KJ often feel as if everyone else is on Thanksgiving break, but you are stuck with your research paper all by yourself. What it really lacks is a private quality; the space is too big to offer an environment conducive to total laser-focus on one’s work. Like I said, strong in just about every area — location, amenities, environment — but it also could be just a touch better in all of the above. Grade:
A-
2. Science Center, Study Rooms
You could make an argument for these being number one, you really could. There is a good reason that you have to scope the area early on a Saturday morning to snag one of the corner study rooms, an effort often not even worth the attempt during peak hours. Few study spaces on campus offer elite capacity for both solo and group work, yet these study rooms may just provide the best in both of those departments. I hardly need to detail what we all know: that for whatever project we may be presented with, the Science Center study rooms will get the job done and more. There is one glaring shortcoming, however: amenities. It is far from a “come-and-go” type of space; you pretty much have to park yourself down for the duration of your study session, and even the walk to the bathroom can feel like an adventure. Grade:
A
1. KJ, Second Floor, Lone Table Down the Hall
I have taken a fair bit of heat in my time here with the Opinion Section and, although I do not anticipate this take eclipsing the Fritos fiasco, I suspect it comes as a surprise to many of you to see this one at the top. It simply offers the most balance of any study space on campus. The one singular table buried down the hall next to the offices is quiet, comfortable and conducive to all areas of study, and adequate for working alone or with others. The available amenities are off the charts, with water fountains at every turn, vending machines downstairs and much more. I fear I may be giving away a valuable secret, but that lone table is difficult to beat. Feel free to ignore my insight, but this is definitively the best all-around study space at Hamilton College. Grade:
A+