Photo by Monica Avila
Payson Library, while it has its benefits, can be a bit of a bore. It’s a perfectly fine place to study, but you can only go there so many nights a week before you start to crave a little change of scenery. Luckily, even though Payson is the best-known study spot on campus, it is far from the only one. Below are some new locales to try the next time you need to get in a last-minute review session.
1. Drescher Library
Yes, Drescher is a bit of a trek, but the library is worth the extra hike. It’s small and secluded — great for when you need to get some work done and can’t afford to be distracted by friends. The chances of seeing anyone you know in the Drescher library are slim, as the traffic is significantly lighter than down on main campus, and few are willing to journey all the way up to the graduate campus. Visit on a weekend, and you’ll virtually have the place to yourself.
2. Drescher Cafe
If studying indoors isn’t your style, head over to the cafe right below the library. It’s well-known that the quality of food at Drescher is an improvement from the Caf’s, but the main value comes from the amazing view outside. Sit at one of the many empty tables outside the cafe (like the library, finding a seat at the Drescher Cafe isn’t the challenge that it is down on main campus) and take in the panoramic ocean view. Being holed up in Payson without any windows or natural light can start to get to you, so it’s good to switch things up and get some sun with your studying.
3. School of Law
In general, the grad school resources just seem to be nicer than the undergrad ones, and the law school is no exception. The library is smaller and cozier than Payson, and it is a little nicer on the eyes as well. It boasts a great ocean view, and it is in a central location on campus if you don’t want to drive to Drescher. You can also grab a snack and study outside on the patio if you’re not feeling the library atmosphere. Finally, its parking lot is always open, so the chances of being able to park and study are much higher than on main campus.
4. Sandbar Patio
Despite being on main campus, the Sandbar Patio isn’t as overcrowded as nearby spots. This is a great place for any kind of group project, as you can seat several people at a table and not have to worry about being too loud. You can avoid the hustle and bustle of the Sandbar itself, but you’re still close enough to grab a Jamba for a mid-homework pick-me-up, or you can to run down to the Caf if you realize you’ve skipped dinner.
5. Alumni Park
Drive down to Alumni or take the stairs — exercise helps you study better — and get some work done at one of Pepperdine’s most scenic locations. You don’t have to just sit on the grass, though. Bring a hammock and string it up in one of the trees — reading is always more enjoyable up in the air. And if you need to take a break, Alumni is a great place for people-watching. Maybe you can even sneak into a couple’s engagement photos.
Pepperdine may not be the largest school, but there are still plenty of places to study that aren’t Payson. Whether you need some alone time to finish writing your essay, or you’re a poet who can only be inspired by a clear view of the ocean, there’s somewhere on campus that will work for you. Test out a few places when you need a break from your regular study room. This may be just the change you need to finally ace that econ test.
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Follow Jessica Kerner on Twitter: @The_Kernster
