Students share opinions on studying outside, plus their favorite outdoor study spots on campus

As the weather gets warmer, more students seem to be sitting outside during the morning and late afternoon hours. The sound of birds chirping and the dose of vitamin D can be a nice break from the classroom, whether by bringing a blanket and picnicking by the fountain or finding a private spot in the disc golf course and listening to music while getting work done. Students share why they do or do not like doing school work outside and where their favorite outdoor seating (or hang-out) spots on campus are.

Araceli Gonzalez, senior sociology, Spanish and global Latinx studies triple-major
Do you like to do work outside?
“I like being outdoors, but I don’t study.”
What problems do you find studying outside?
“There is too much noise with the fountain, and the tower ringing. Also, I people-watch sometimes and get distracted on my own.”
Where is your favorite place on campus to do work outside?
“I like hanging out on the hammocks near the tower.”

Henry Walker-Tamboli, senior environmental studies major
Do you like to do work outside?
“Yes, it’s nice especially on days … when there is good weather, but also it’s nice as an environmental studies major to be connected to the outdoors while I’m doing my work. I like bird-watching and nature-watching in general. Being outside is good for you, good for the brain … the nature is nice.”
What problems do you find studying outside?
“My main problem is that my computer will die and there are no outdoor outlets anywhere. Also, sometimes the seating can be weird because there are random chairs and I’m like, ok, I guess this is where I am sitting now.”
Where is your favorite place on campus to do work outside?
“I really like those couple chairs outside CSI, under all the trees, nice shade, plant box behind you to sit.”

Jordan Frederick, junior psychology major
Do you like to do work outside?
“Yes. I just feel like it gives me better clarity than working inside. There’s not that buzzing of the lights and that artificial lighting. Working outside also gives me clear headspace to work with.”
What problems do you find studying outside?
“It just gets hot and there are no plugs so my computer dies.”
Where is your favorite place on campus to do work outside?
“Next to the library at those tables because I can get my hotspot to work…