Studying

In high school, I used the library maybe once a week. Here at Leo, I’m in there at least once a day. The Library has become an invaluable resource, whether it’s just to get away from a roommate, or if it’s to concentrate or do research. The sports teams have study hours in the library every week, so there’s always someone there to talk to if you need a social life while you pass the hours in the books. There are a few reference librarians that are there most of the day and into the evening, and they’re always willing to help with any issues, from printers not working to helping you find the right book for the project. The library here has three floors. The top floor is a floor of books and tables for studying that overlooks the lake and the Abbey orange groves. On the main floor is the center of the library life, with some computers, journals, a laptop area, and a coffee station set up for students to help them stay awake when pulling an all nighter (which I don’t recommend!). The lower level is full of computer labs in separate rooms, so when you work on a presentation with a group, there’s a place to talk and to work together.

Don’t pull an all nighter if you don’t absolutely have to. I’ve done it three times already this semester, and it’s not worth it. If you’re going to do it, here’s a few tips I’ve learned.

1. Never stay up all night before a test. Get at least three hours of sleep. If you don’t know it by 5am, you won’t know it when the test is in front of you and you’re too tired to focus.

2. Take energy drinks earlier rather than later. You’re more productive earlier in the evening, so take one early enough . It’s not going to wake you up enough to help when you’re falling asleep on your keyboard.

3. Learn how to manage your time when you’re up all night. Set goals for you to finish every half hour or so. Tell yourself, “I’m going to write these three journal entries by 11:15.” Then do it.

If you can help it, don’t stay up all night. We’ve all done it, and I say this, but I’m sure I’ll be doing it again. It’s not healthy, and it brings your immune system down.

There’s a ton of germs here at Saint Leo, but that’s no different than anywhere you’d go to school. If you took any 300 people and put them in one building to sleep and study, they’d pass around germs too. Keep hydrated and get enough sleep so that if you do get sick, you can help yourself get better!

Saint Leo's Cannon Memorial Library