Editors note: This opinion-piece does not represent the opinion of Beaver’s Digest but rather it reflects the personal opinions and observations of the writer

You walk into the Valley Library, wide-eyed and ready to study. Then you realize that every table, desk, and chair in the building is somehow taken by another student.

This isn’t surprising. There are over 35,000 students enrolled in Oregon State University’s Corvallis Campus. Everyone’s gotta study, and many students prefer public spaces such as the library over their own sofa. 

So, where should you study if the Valley Library is packed to the brim? Worry not! Corvallis has plenty of public spaces, both indoors and outdoors. The library is undoubtably a very convenient place to study. But when you can’t afford convenience, these other locations should suffice.

Let’s set a baseline by discussing the most popular areas to study. When interviewing students, nearly all of them stated that the library was their primary study spot. This tracks with my experiences as well, recalling my many pitiful attempts to find open seating. The MU also seems to be a hotspot for studiers.

The Learning Innovation Center and Kelley Engineering Center are also both great spots to study. If you’re an Honors student, the LINC has a nice study space called the Students Learning Underground, SLUG for short. Similarly, Kelley has a nice secluded study place close to the eastern entrance.

Now we’re getting into the more obscure finds. The Student Experience Center is clean, quiet, and full of empty chairs. There are many places you can sequester yourself in without being disturbed, such as the many side rooms on the ground floor.

Get burned by the lack of seats in the LINC? Austin Hall can serve as a nice backup. Located directly across from the LINC, Austin has a nice open lobby area filled with seats and tables, next to a comforting fireplace.

If you find yourself on the east side of campus, the new Patricia Vallan Reser Center for the Creative Arts has a surprising amount of study places. There’s built in study alcoves, tables on both floors, and a fairly quiet volume. If you need a break, you can even check out the art exhibition!

If the library is full, why not go to the library? The Corvallis Public Library! While a little far from campus, they have plenty of great places to study in silence. Similarly to the Valley Library, they offer study rooms if checked out in advanced.

Despite this list, there are plenty of spots I’m unaware of. A few students have offered to give their sagely advice on the matter.

Adam Nickerson, Third-Year Political Science Major

Adam Nickerson, a third-year Political Science Major, explained how he sometimes studies in Guardian Games, a board game store downtown. He mentioned how there are plenty of tables around the normally empty store.

“You’re playing monopoly and doing your homework!” Nickerson added.

Paige Michalski, Third-Year Graphic Design Major

Paige Michalski, a third-year graphic design major, mentioned how she sometimes studies in Snell Hall. She then detailed her specific spot: an alcove in the highest floors of the building.

Described as a “weird hole almost where the roof access is”, Michalski favors this spot for the natural lighting.

“The sun would hit the concrete, and I felt like a turtle.” Michalski recounts.

Aswin Arumugam, First-Year Masters Student in Robotics

When asked about his common study areas, first-year robotics masters student Aswin Arumugam mentioned how he often studies in Graff Hall, where the robotics lab is located. He outlined a specific study area he frequents, filled with different books and resources on robotics.

Astrid Mccann, Second-Year Psychology Major

Astrid Mccann, a second-year psychology major, mentioned how certain spots in Kidder hall were perfect for studying. “It has a microwave, it has everything you need.” Mccann added.

Additionally, Mccann recounted a time when she studied in front of the Linus Pauling Science Center, near the waterfall. 

“When I was a first-year, I didn’t know anything,” she said. “I just sat down at a spot.”