Library zombies cram for tests together

Jun 15 2009 - 1:02pm | Ammie Jimenez

Cramming for tests brings out some of the most creative techniques to tackling studying strategies.

Students choose to become dorm room hermits, while others escape to Sewell Park or Concho. Students compile dozens of note cards or pace their rooms while reciting out loud in an effort to memorize endless facts. It can be extremely overwhelming. But there is a unique group of individuals who gather together throughout the seven floors of Alkek Library that form what I refer to as the library zombies.

The library zombies cluster around common tables, hole away in study rooms or settle on couches all with the purpose of achieving grades that could possibly rescue questionable class averages or maintain perfect GPAs. Armed with highlighters, pens, bottles of water, coke and coffee, the students who make the library their home throughout finals are well prepared to pull all nighters. There is something about being surrounded by others who have the same goals that encourages us to continue.

Finals are the most stressful set of exams because they are the last set of grades. They are the last chance any student has at securing passable grades and so preparing for them becomes very important. It helps to study in places that allow the utmost concentration and the library creates the perfect atmosphere to do so during finals week. There is almost a sense of community that builds as the consumption of caffeine gets higher and morning gets closer.

I have tried studying in my dorm room, but between television and Facebook there are so many distractions that it becomes almost impossible. The lobbies worked for awhile until others wonder in with cell phones in their hands and my mind wonders to their whispered conversations. The truth is the walk up to the library might not sound pleasant, but it is worth every step. It is also open 24 hours every day during finals and there is even a lounge area with vending machines on the first floor.

It is definitely a very convenient place to study. There are single study rooms if you prefer peace and quiet, there are larger rooms for group studying. There is the second floor lobby where some of the computers are located equipped with free printing for last minute review sheets. There are couches to relax on for study breaks and many plugs for when the laptops begin to wane in battery life. Plus there are the very obvious books and reference materials to aid in any subject imaginable.

However, no matter what conditions are preferred for ultimate studying, the library has them all. Tests are stressful already and it helps to make things as easy as possible.

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