In Holy Cross, the absolute best place is this comfy little area on the second floor. They have a few couches around a small table. It’s good for studying alone, and if you’re quiet enough, you can go here to socialize and take a break. If you go down the stairs, there’s vending machines nearby for snacks, and there’s easily accessible bathrooms for when you drink way too much coffee. There’s even sockets nearby for your laptop or your phone cord. If you want to fill up your water bottle, however, you need to walk all the way to the front of the building.
Next up, is Brian Mulroney Hall. Normally everyone says the Rotunda on the third floor is the best place to study. Sure, if you don’t want to eat, drink, sit in chairs that don’t hurt your back or deal with people who glare at you when you go in because you accidentally took “their spot.” Instead, try the second floor. There’s a bunch of desks and chairs around, and even comfy chairs in one section if you need to do a lot of reading. There’s vending machines on this floor, and a water fountain, plus washrooms nearby. But if you have a laptop you want to plug in, beware: not all sockets on this floor work. Plus, you can socialize here and not get dirty looks.
In Margaret Norrie McCain Hall it’s hard to find anywhere to study, unless you go into the Daniel O’Brien Study Hall. Go to the second level, the Reading Room. The chairs are comfier, you’re right by some natural light, it’s easier to get at a socket for your laptop and it’s even possible to take short cat naps. However, avoid making too much noise, and avoid bringing a sub in for your lunch or supper, because others around you will give you dirty looks because of the crinkling noise it makes while you unwrap it, then they’ll leave in a huff.
In George Martin Hall, avoid doing what everyone else does, and don’t study in the cafeteria. Instead, go to the second floor right before the chapel. There’s comfy chairs here, as well as sockets conveniently. The water fountain is downstairs, and the washrooms are on each floor. If you get hungry, you can run off to the caf for noms. It’s good for socializing, or quiet study.
Edmund Casey Hall is hands down the hardest place to study in. The only kind of okay place is on the first floor, in front, by the vending machines. There aren’t sockets nearby, the washrooms involve a walk and the benches are downright uncomfortable. But, there’s a little desk area in the north end by another vending machine if you get desperate.
Last but not least, James Dunn Hall. Overlook the obvious here, don’t sit in the caf, the lounge, or the huge desk area on the ground floor. What you want is one of the tucked away alcoves on the second floor. Again, get a place next to the wall, and you can find a socket. The water fountain is on the first level. Plus, with all these food and caffeine options nearby, you’re set for staying there all day, to either socialize or study.
