For many CHS students, study spots are not just places to open their laptops; rather, they are spots of focus, comfort and motivation. From the familiarity of bedrooms to the hustle and bustle of busy coffee shops, these are some of the study spots CHS students go to when they want to focus.
CHS sophomore Shayna Simon-Jaimon needs moderate background noise in order to focus. Whether it’s a YouTube playlist or the sounds of others conversing nearby, she feels that the noise helps her stay focused for longer. She prefers studying indoors due to the controlled environment it provides. She also likes a boring and ordinary place because she feels it keeps her from getting distracted. Her favorite Ann Arbor study spot is the two private rooms on the first floor of the Ann Arbor District Library.
“The two private rooms are plain and have fluorescent lights, two chairs and a big desk,” Simon-Jaimon said. “There are also plenty of outlets. The library is quiet, and with the right music, I can successfully study and use my time wisely.”
For CHS junior Olivia Kreger, a quiet environment is crucial for a successful study session. Her ideal study spot consists of dimmed lights, clean surroundings, plenty of outlets and a whiteboard to jot down notes. Her favorite Ann Arbor study spot is the University of Michigan (U of M) Hatcher Library. While she doesn’t attend U of M, she discovered it through dual enrollment and taking some courses there.
“It’s a beautiful place with high ceilings and murals all over the walls,” Kreger said. “It’s pretty quiet, and it’s also open really late, which is nice.”
For CHS sophomore Yohanna Igarashi, background music is exactly what she needs to create a good study atmosphere. She chooses to play either classical music or music in a language she doesn’t know. She likes to study inside because when she’s outside, she finds herself easily distracted by nature and people walking by. A good study spot to her means a quiet place with bright lights and a nice desk and chair. She’s able to find this at a place quite close to home.
“My favorite spot in Ann Arbor to study is my bedroom,” Igarashi said. “I’m so comfortable there because I’m able to focus without worrying about what’s going on around me. It’s also nice knowing I have access to any materials I need when I’m studying.”
CHS freshman Andrea Skerlos has always preferred studying indoors. She attributes this to her fear of bugs. She loves a good coffee shop with good lighting and a cozy feel. She studies best with moderate levels of background noise. Her favorite Ann Arbor study spot is the Sweetwaters inside Kerrytown.
“I like any place in Kerrytown because it is very close to Community, which makes it convenient.” Skerlos said. “Specifically, I love studying in the Sweetwaters coffee shop because they have really good drinks and the environment feels very cozy.”
If you’re in need of a good study spot in the Ann Arbor area, these spots are great places to check out!
