Peer Tutoring Center
By Sabastian Luyen (Staff writer)
When I need a quiet place to rush through my readings or quickly finish an assignment before my classes, my go-to spot is the peer tutoring area. Located on the ground floor of the Academic Commons, the peer tutoring area is a wide open space with several tables and chairs nestled behind rows of old periodicals.
I love putting on my headphones and sinking into one of the dirty old armchairs in the back of the room. It’s usually quite empty, but depending on the subjects that are tutoring, it can get pretty busy. In addition to being a great place to study, I also love chatting with the peer tutors about their subject after I finish my work. Sometimes, they even have free candy!
Contact Sabastian Luyen at luyen@oxy.edu
Johnson Hall
By Julian Villa (Staff writer)
In the heart of Johnson Hall lies a gem for contemplative study — a solitary, brown leather chair perched on the balcony of the second floor. During the day, a stream of natural light filters through the window behind the chair, casting a warm glow on the balcony area. The chair, worn but steadfast, cushions me as I spend hours reading and studying topics in global affairs. The quaint space offers a coveted sanctuary, overlooking the bustling Global Forum lobby. From this vantage point, academic engagement unfolds beneath me.
During busier hours, the rhythmic hum of students talking, a guest speaker or an event below becomes a melodic backdrop, inspiring focus and determination on my own studies. It is not merely a chair on a balcony, it is a front-row seat in a symphony of intellectual curiosity — an ambiance steeped in the essence of global affairs. As I delve into the intricate world of international studies, this seat becomes a harbor where ideas flourish, and I can work towards dreams of global impact.
Contact Julian Villa at jvilla@oxy.edu
Remsen Bird Hillside Amphitheater
By Nora Youngelson (Staff writer and photographer)
At the top of the amphitheater, there is a solid, medium-sized tree whose roots are overtaking the side of the old stone steps. This tree has become my ideal study spot on campus. The thick trunk curves perfectly to fit my back, better than the creaky library chairs, and the shade that it provides in the late afternoons gives me just enough room to spread out my work.
Whenever I am behind on my long readings for class, I make the hike to my tree at the top of the amphitheater. This quiet corner on campus is conducive to solitary and thoughtful work. The lack of a roof, the circular setting and the countless stairs give me a feeling of endlessness that I am often missing.
In between pages of my books, I look out all the little lights scattered below me. I turn off my phone and am only ever interrupted by a particularly curious crow or an ambitious jogger attempting to climb the stairs. And although I understand the appeal of burying yourself in the stacks, there is something to be said for the soft beauty, pleasant weather and a stable tree to lean against.
Contact Nora Youngelson at youngelson@oxy.edu
Fowler Hall
By Avinash Iyer (Opinions editor)
On the third floor of Fowler Hall, nestled in between the central stairwell and Room 307 is the math student lounge. Originally meant for office space, the student lounge is set up with large, right-angled tables with desktop computers of unknown usability, plenty of power outlets and, most important of all, a chalkboard.
Fowler Hall loves to be hated. While it hasn’t been “upgraded” in the same way that Johnson Hall has, I enjoy the old school aesthetic — the green chalkboards and doors with dark brown carpet bring a mid-century academy vibe, à la “Dead Poets Society.” The chalkboards themselves beg to be filled up with sets and functions, epsilons and deltas, derivatives and integrals.
Studying in the student lounge, soundtracked by the din of HVAC and whatever pop artist Apple Music has decided to recommend, is both calming and invigorating. I won’t disturb anyone if I want to relax, but if I need to lock in and finish the Real Analysis homework I procrastinated on, the room lends itself well to such a purpose.
Contact Avinash Iyer at iyera@oxy.edu
The Stacks
By Ruby Gower (Staff writer)
My favorite place to study on campus is the top floor of the stacks in the library. The top floor has some of my favorite book sections, like the collection of all of Hilary Mantel’s books. When you first walk in, there’s a massive, squashed black chair with its stuffing coming out of it. It’s a great place to sit when I’m pretending to study but am actually falling asleep. When I wake up, it’s a really nice place to read.
A few feet away, there’s a table by a window, so if I come in the evening I work there and watch the sunset while I study. It’s usually completely empty, so it’s a great place to be if I need somewhere quiet to do readings or a last-minute essay. Since it’s rare that anyone else is up there, it’s also a great place to study with a group, because you can make more noise than you normally would and spread all your work out.
Contact Ruby Gower at gower@oxy.edu
