The Ohio State University: Where to Study
Have you been looking for the perfect study spot? Been searching the nooks and crannies of OSU, but haven’t found a place yet? With its glorious floors of books, you might have thought Thompson seemed like a good fit, but it sure is crowded–it is a people-watching central with a flurry of activity. Maybe you tried the Science and Engineering Library (SEL), but found that it too is packed with caffeine addicts and loud chatter.
I suggest exploring the small and hidden gems of Ohio State. And by that, I mean the other OSU libraries. Does OSU even have any other libraries, you ask? YES! They are lovely, clean, small and quiet. If you have ever wanted to get to know campus better, or request books from a more specific study area then Thompson, then the other libraries will become your new best friends. The other libraries are a valuable resource for both researching and studying. For instance, the Fine Arts Library could become your new home. Complete with books all about your favorite painter, it also sits next door to the incredible Billy Ireland Cartoon Library. This library features a vast collection of comics and graphic novels, which will be moved in a year’s time to Sullivant Hall. While these libraries are quiet and are lovely study spots, my personal favorite is the Orton Memorial Library of Geology.
This small, quiet area is located in Orton Hall, and it holds a wide collection of geological texts, as well as an extensive map collection of Ohio and other states. The glossy wooden tables and old architecture beckon students to study there. Orton Hall, which is suitably named after Ohio State’s first president, has a rich history and a small geology museum. My one piece of advice is to bring a sweater–they like to keep it chilly in there!
Whether you decide to keep kicking it at Thompson or SEL, or you opt to trek to one of the other libraries, my recommendation is to find a comfortable spot that encourages you to study. You never know how much you may love one of the other libraries, and it is always fun to explore and learn more about your home at OSU.