The dear silence that you are promised once you sit down defines the word ‘library.’ As much as staying at home is melody to my ears, I know I will not be as productive at home surrounded by constant distractions.
A busy period of assignments and exams is fast approaching, and I thought what better time to take you through my typical day at the library. The key to making the most of my day is dragging myself out of bed around 8 in the morning. I find that if I start the day earlier, I’ll feel more accomplished right from the start.
Comfort
I’m sorry but if I’m about to spend my whole day in the library, comfort is absolutely necessary. Leggings or joggers are my go-to, followed by a soft sweater or jumper. I’m trying to create a balance between comfortable but also not too comfortable in case I lose my concentration. The perfect example to explain this is wearing pyjamas. You will not catch me doing anything remotely productive in them.
Where in the library?
I think with time, everyone has a specific spot they go to. I pay attention to a couple of things. If it’s a sunny day, will I be able to see my laptop screen, is it directly shining on my face? It sounds silly but we unconsciously think about those things. With the cold weather, I make sure the area is warm. You’d be surprised but you’d freeze in some areas.
Journalism & Law
I am in my final year studying Journalism & Law, and if you’re curious how my day looks like studying those subjects, you’re in for a treat. Law usually means hours of reading and note taking. I prepare for tutorials by trying to attempt problem and essay type questions. With Journalism, one minute I could be organising an interview, the other writing an article or doing some research for academic essays.
Time for a break
Coffee, cold water and snacks are essential. You have to break up your study sessions. I tend to lose my concentration after an hour. I have to get up and go for a small walk, usually to go say hello to a friend. See what they are up to. Having a study buddy is where a lot of my motivation comes from. It’s the sense of knowing I’m not alone and basically others are also in a similar boat.
