Finals Survival Guide: Tips for Studying in Morris Library

The semester is almost over. The last thing that stands between students and summer is Finals Week—and likely a few late nights in Club Morris.

That’s right, Morris Library is now open 24 hours a day through Thursday, May 30, at 7 p.m..

This guide will help you navigate this stressful time of year and make the most of your hours spent in the library.

Settle in.

When we asked our student assistants for their best study tips, this topped most of their lists. When you come to the library, bring everything you will need for the day. Whether you’re in a groove and don’t want to break your study momentum or you just don’t want to risk losing your seat, make sure you bring the essentials—water, coffee, snacks and study materials—for your time in Club Morris.

Sit near an outlet.

Let’s face it, you’re probably going to be in Morris Library for a while. Maybe longer than you’d care to admit. If you’re working on a laptop or need to use your phone for notes, try to get a seat near an outlet so you can always remain at full power. You’ll find outlets throughout the library, including inside group study rooms, on every table in the Reading Room on the first floor and the Atrium on the second floor, and at the dark brown carrels on the third floor.

Seek out nooks, crannies and classrooms.

We know seats can be hard to come by during Finals Week, especially in heavily populated areas like the Atrium, the Reading Room and the Reference Room. But before you give up and sit on the floor, explore the hidden and secluded spots by venturing to an area you haven’t been before. And don’t forget: During Finals Week, Room 114 and Room 116A are open all day for regular study. The two classrooms are worth checking to see if you can snag a spot at a table.

Reserve group study rooms.

If you’re working on a final group project or just need a place to study and collaborate with friends or classmates, reserve one of the group study rooms. The group study rooms, which are located on each floor, include worktables and whiteboards, and remove you from the bustle of other users. Groups of two or more students can book a room for two hours a day up to a week in advance, but spaces will fill up fast.

Get your course reserves early.

Chances are high that if your professor put a book on reserve, you won’t be the only one trying to study with it during Finals Week. Check with the Help Center when you come in the library to see if the book is available so you can plan accordingly. Bring other study materials with you so that you can make the most of your time if you have to wait for the reserved material to be available.

Hit up Bleecker Street early.

Film and Video Collections’ student assistant Jeffrey Attakorah learned the hard way that food sells quickly in Bleecker Street during Finals Week. Learn from his misfortune and get there earlier in the evening if you want to make sure the cafe has your favorite sandwich in stock. And, remember, it’s the last chance to eat at Bleecker Street before it closes and construction begins on the new eatery coming this fall, The Nest.

Take breaks.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed and overworked during Finals Week. Make sure you take breaks during a long day—or week—of studying. Go for a few laps around the Library to stretch your legs or take advantage of the Stress Less activities going on all week long in the Library. Each day there will be puzzles, coloring and magnetic poetry for you to steal away a quiet moment. On Wednesday, enjoy free iced coffee in the morning and free coffee and cookies at night. Thursday brings free frozen treats, healthy snacks and the fan-favorite therapy dogs. Join us for Game Night on Friday, and enjoy more healthy snacks on Tuesday, May 28. For the full schedule of Stress Less events, click here.

Play with dogs.

OK, yes, we already mentioned that taking a break to visit the therapy dogs is a good idea. But it’s worth repeating. There will be dogs in the Library on Thursday night. If you are stressed out, they are more than happy to help calm you down.

Know the shuttle schedule.

During Finals Week, the shuttle bus schedule adjusts to keep up with students in need of studying through the night. Now through Friday, May 24, the Final Exam Study Shuttle will come every 30 minutes, from 2 a.m. until 6:30 a.m. It leaves from Lot 34, which is just south of Morris Library and within view of the main entrance. The Final Exam Study Shuttle returns Tuesday through Thursday, May 28-30, with all bus service ending at 10:10 p.m. on Thursday.

Ask for help.

Finals Week can be overwhelming. If you need help with anything—research, scanning, wayfinding—Library staff are there to help. When you see a service desk, know that the person there will do everything they can to make you succeed. You can also reach out for help by text message, live chat, email or phone.

Forget something?

The Student Multimedia Design Center is there for you. If you left your phone charger, laptop charger or headphones back at the dorm, head over to the desk to check them out. If you find yourself in need of a portable charger, external hard drive or USB flash drive, you can borrow those too. If you need to create last-minute study aids, you can purchase highlighters, pens, pencils, index cards and blue books for a nominal fee, too.

And, of course: Don’t forget to rub Judge Morris’ nose for good luck!