Whether sitting at a computer, studying in the East Wing of Ryan Library or getting work done at Arrigoni in the Murphy center, fellow Gaels are always looking for the ideal place to study.

It is not unusual that once someone walks through the doors of the library he asks himself, “Where should I sit today?” Depending on the workload one has, one may want to seclude themselves, work with friends on similar assignments or work in a talkative environment.

The East Wing of Ryan, sometimes referred to as Harry Potter’s “Hogwarts,” is full of students during the week, somewhat empty during the day and then moderately full by nightfall. During midterms and finals, “Hogwarts” is overflowing with study groups and students pacing back and forth getting notes and help from fellow classmates sitting in different locations throughout the library. The room is expected to stay close to silent, but it can get rowdy.

You can hear the consecutive shhh’s fill the room once the East Wing becomes slightly disorderly, and snickers from different tables follow each demand for silence.

However, places where talking is 100% intolerable are the West Wings of Ryan on both the second and third floors in addition to the South Wing, also located on the third floor. All three rooms provide individual desks, often referred to as “cubbies,” for each student to get their work done privately.

The so called “cubbies” are also located in the Irish Room, which is the open space that includes classrooms 201 and 202 along with a few couches and desks. Junior Alexis Eybers says she prefers to get her most intense work done in the cubbies located here.

“I like going to the two right next to the 202 classroom because no one even knows they’re there,” Eybers said.

She also included that due to her environmental science major, it is necessary that she uses a computer in order to complete labs that include graphing. In order to block out excessive noise, Eybers puts on her headphones to focus.

Although it’s a little contradictory, music can repress external racket and might help students work more intensely. During the evening when the library is most populated, a student is lucky to find a cubby in the West or South wings of Ryan. Headphones could be an alternative for a student who wants to really concentrate on his/her work.

Junior Allison Flynn mentioned that when studying for major tests she heads right to the third floor of Ryan.

“Yeah, I definitely go upstairs to those cubbies because it’s so quiet. You can be by yourself and no one bothers you. It’s where I go to study for all my midterms and finals,” Flynn said.

But let’s not leave Arrigoni out. The location makes it easier for students with classes in Murphy to get quick studying done before their class or even finish some post-class work right away. In addition, this library is closer to Eastchester residents who may find working there easier than Ryan.

Junior Eastchester resident Austin Cooke expressed why he likes studying in Arrigoni.

“I go to Arrigoni because there’s rarely ever anyone in there. Ryan’s always packed with people. Plus, if you want privacy, the computers in Arrigoni are set up where you aren’t invading someone else’s space.”

Ryan Library’s second and third floors, along with Arrigoni, may be the most popular spots to some, but there a ton of more spaces to get work done.

The Castle Café on the first floor of Ryan allows students to converse at moderate levels as well as eat while completing assignments. Study rooms are also located throughout the first floor for extra privacy and for big study sessions and group projects. Lastly, the section of Ryan that contains all reference books called the Reisert Reading Room, has back tables and couches for leisure reading as well as any workload needs.

In the end, it comes down to what you’re most comfortable with and what’s least distracting. Happy studying!