Madeline Bryce/ Daily Nexus
With midterm season waning and library hours back after popular demand, UC Santa Barbara has released a list of alternative study spots just in time to accommodate absolutely nobody. With student comfort and accessibility taking top priority, the school has created a list of places for students to achieve academic success.
The oil rig
This is a great spot to study if you don’t want to be bothered and need a little white noise in the background to help you focus. The rushing waves hitting the rig and the whistle of the wind will literally be the only thing you’ll hear once you’ve settled in. It’s unclear whether the school plans to provide an internet connection or a means for you to reach the rig, so that might be something to keep in mind. However, the solitude this spot offers — due to the treacherous travel required — and the dubious accommodations means you’ll be locked in for sure.
The Del Playa porta-potty
UCSB is known for their “work hard, play hard” motto, and nothing is more representative of this fact than a study spot at this porta-potty. It provides great incentive to focus on finishing the lab report, so you can step outside and join the masses partying it up outside. The downsides of this spot are that you might consistently have your deep study state interrupted by drunk girls banging on the door, and the odor of vomit and festering sewage might also prove a big distraction. However, the ambiance from the partying outside is unmatched, and you won’t have to waste any time traveling to meet up with your bros before heading out to the frats!
The secret bathroom
Again, another bathroom-related study spot … real estate really must be an issue here in Isla Vista. Anyway, this is another great study spot — with a decently large downside. Nobody knows where it is. But, if you do manage to find the secret bathroom, you can be certain that you will be undisturbed and left peaceably alone to study. Being in the bathroom also means that you don’t have to waste any time relieving yourself, which might take you out of the research paper flow state you’ve achieved. If you find this study spot, don’t gatekeep!
The Lagoon dock
This spot is great for people who work best outdoors and thrive in the fresh air. You will be able to get all your studying done with the pelicans and seagulls for company — they’ll definitely keep you honest and make sure your mandated TikTok breaks don’t last for more than 10 minutes. Some pluses: great view, the movement of the dock creates a meditative atmosphere and you can ask passersby questions about your practice tests. Some minuses: the lagoon freaking reeks so good luck focusing, the dock might detach and you’ll be stranded in the middle of the lagoon and a pelican could snatch your computer and abscond with it.
The middle of DLG
This seems like a bit of a strange one for the school to be suggesting, but here we are. The only real perk is that you have food at your fingertips if you get hungry while studying. But, you’ll have to dodge freshmen acting like it’s their first day on earth and the insane line for ribs. Will DLG let you stay while they reset for each meal? Will they provide you ice cream when you start losing energy? These are important questions you should figure out before picking this study spot.
UCSB never ceases to amaze with their thoughtfulness and time they spend thinking about ways to benefit their students. Without a doubt, these amazing alternative study spots will be a boon to any students struggling to find space as they start thinking about finals. The only thing left to say is: “Thank you Chancellor Assanis!”
Serrano Ham is personally a huge fan of the oil rig suggestion and will be kayaking there ASAP.
