Class is officially finished. We’ve made it through the big push, and now we’re all anxiously awaiting our final examinations.
Although class has concluded, we are all still cramming for those finals, and often times realize that all of the libraries are full. Indeed, Fondren, Underwood, Meadows and the BIC are at capacity.
Yet, when we walk into the library and see there are no spots for us, we still have to find a place to study. So then we drive, or ride the DART. Everywhere. With no success The Starbucks at West Village is often packed as well. Don’t even try the one in Mockingbird Station because it’s too small, and the one at Highland Park Village is the spot of choice for important business meetings, not studying ITOM.
Therefore, where shall we go? Are there any places in Dallas that cater to young students who are looking for a study spot?
Have no fear, I have the five best hidden spaces for students to study. First, there’s Union Coffee on Dyer Street right by the Green Elephant or “Homebar” as we affectionally call it. Their coffee is wonderfully priced. They have plenty of space to spread out, and the chairs have been called the most comfortable in Dallas.With outlets galore, this is the place to go should your studies depend on your computer. When you go, introduce yourself to Mike, the coffee-shop owner. He’ll be happy to talk you out of a panic attack!
Second, there’s Parigi’s in Highland Park Village. This is my favorite spot to study at night. I often sit at the bar and order light snacks to stimulate me for an intense session of paper editing. Whether you’re ordering a diet Coke (or something else), the staff often seems delighted to have students in their midsts. The atmosphere can be either distracting or provide just the right amount of white noise. You will have to decide for yourself.
Third, I love to find a place on Turtle Creek to read books. Lee Park is a hotspot for dog owners, but if you don’t want to be bothered by K9s look for a sunny spot across the road right by the river. Of course, there are no outlets, so only venture out if you have something to read that doesn’t require electricity. I’m rarely bothered by joggers, and have found several serene spots.
Fourth, there’s always the reading area in the basement of Dallas Hall. Located in the middle of the English Department, this area is secluded, quiet and will keep you off your phone. There is plenty of light in the room, and the area boasts several couches to keep you comfortable as you dig into that novel you were supposed to read several months ago.
Finally, there’s the new Klyde Warren Park. Although this isn’t really a secret, and the space is often crowded on Saturdays, I find it’s rarely visited by SMU students. The space hosts food trucks, and now that the summer months are coming, will be warm and inviting for the young studier.
So, although the next few days will be trying, and we will rarely find time to rest, try to explore a few of these “secret” places to get you out of the library and into the city, enjoying what has been provided for us, and escaping a few of the distractions that we often find on campus.
Graves is a junior majoring in communication studies and religious studies.
