It is that time of year! The cherry blossom trees are beginning to bloom, the quad is bustling with students finally being able to embrace the warmer weather… and midterm exams are giving way to looming final exam dates.
The final stretch between Spring Break and the end of the semester is no small feat for students at Bucknell. From late nights spent racing to finish assignments, to early mornings cramming in more last minute studying, students are preparing for the final weeks of their semester at all hours of the day and in many different places both on and off campus. Whether students are Engineering majors taking part in a Senior Design project, Literary Studies majors perfecting a final paper or Mathematics majors crunching numbers, Bucknell offers countless unique study spaces throughout campus to accommodate the academic needs of each individual student, allowing them to succeed in their studies and finish their Spring semester strongly.
Malesardi Quadrangle (“The Quad”)
The quad is home to some of the most culminating moments in Bucknell students’ experiences, from the beginning of their college chapter at Convocation as first-years to their transition into the next at Commencement as seniors. However, even the small, everyday moments on the quad mold student memories, whether they include throwing a frisbee in the warm Spring air or pausing to complete an assignment while appreciating the outdoors. Fit with wooden benches, Adirondack chairs and plenty of grassy space to occupy, the quad is an ideal study spot for students who wish to slow down while remaining productive. Although students studying on the quad need to bring most of their required materials with them, its spacious landscape provides them with plenty of space to study, whether they are completing group projects or individual assignments among the comfort of their friends. On the quad, you will see diverse examples of studying— immersion in a novel in the shade of a tree, note-taking at one of the new tables outside Bertrand Library, Zoom calls being taken on the benches outside of the Vaughan Literature Building. The quad is the location for students to come together to achieve their academic goals while welcoming the warmer weather.
Willard Smith Library
Bertrand Library is often a hotspot for students searching for a study location. While Bertrand Library offers endless resources to students–from floors that vary in accepted levels of noise, to thousands of books, to versatile seating options–for others it can be a busy location that hinders their ability to focus. For these students, hidden within the hallways of the Vaughan Literature Building is the quaint Willard Smith Library.
The Willard Smith Library is a small, warmly lit area complete with traditional wooden furniture amongst bookshelves containing parts of Bucknell’s literature collection. The library’s cozy home-like atmosphere provides its occupants with a peaceful, calming environment to complete assignments, whether they be independent or with other students. Both larger and smaller tables are available for students to utilize to complete their work, as well as lounge chairs for those wishing to engage with their assignments more comfortably. For students in search of a quieter, less-crowded, aesthetically pleasing alternative to Bertrand Library, the Willard Smith Library provides an often overlooked study space that fosters relaxation and productivity— all in one space.
MacDonald Commons (“The Commons”)
Essential resources for long, exhaustive study sessions extend beyond textbooks, whiteboards and computers— Bucknell students are also in search of a location where they can eat a meal while completing their assignments. Thus, MacDonald Commons is an ideal study spot for students to take advantage of the various food options available to them while they work. At the Commons, student cravings are guaranteed to be satisfied. From all-day breakfast options, to chef-prepared sushi, to a wide variety of salads and flatbreads, the Commons offers multiple food options for Bucknell students. Once they receive their order, students can choose from several seating areas: comfortable booths near the food area to socialize while working, tall tables facing the outdoors for a more isolated work environment or independent rooms throughout the building for a more private, quiet studying environment. Regardless of the mealtime and of the space desired, the Commons is a key uphill location for students to maintain their nutritional needs while managing their academic endeavors.
Barnes & Noble at Bucknell University (“The Bookstore”)
For on-campus residents in search of a less-frequented study spot or off-campus seniors avoiding the trek to campus, the Bucknell bookstore is a unique study spot for those wishing to be centered in the Lewisburg community. The bookstore offers a balanced combination of bustling shoppers and silent readers, providing a shared space that bolsters productivity and academic engagement. While several tables stand indoors for students to use, outdoor seating is also nearby for those who wish to immerse themselves in the community on warmer days. The Bookstore also contains a cafe complete with small snacks and Starbucks beverages for a mid-study “pick-me up.” Or, should students desire a break from their studies, various locations surround the Bookstore at their convenience, including the Paris Bakery & Cafe and the beloved All Star Bagels. Whether a Bucknell student needs a change of scenery to finish a difficult essay or a unique space to catch up on email notifications, the bookstore is a key location to maintain productivity while interacting with downtown Lewisburg.
The weeks leading up to the end of the semester are a whirlwind for Bucknell students of all class years and majors, but their study habits do not have to be repetitive or exhaustive; the campus is committed to providing students with study locations of many different forms, each complete with their own unique benefits that are accessible to students completing what seems like endless lists of assignments. Within this campus community bursting with student productivity, creativity and hard work are these diverse, often overlooked spaces that are designed for these students to succeed, regardless of what they need to do so. As final examinations quickly approach, Bucknell students will occupy these spaces as they complete the coursework that will one day shape their futures.
