BY CHRIS TAKAHASHI | STAFF WRITER
At this point in the semester, time set aside for studying is sacred. You may be putting in the hours, but are you effective with your time? Maybe it’s time to find a new place to study. Below is a compilation of the best and most well-known study spots around campus.
Lama Library
It may be an obvious pick for such a list, yet it is a great place to crank out work. The first floor is evidently more social than the second floor and friendly toward group study. It is also computer-friendly with outlets at nearly every table in addition to a couple dozen desktops for use. If you’re looking for solitude with your studying, head up the flight of stairs to find your own personal study desk. Try not to sneeze or breathe too loudly; those desk partitions are not exactly soundproof and your neighbor is less than two feet away. The only downside to the Lama Library is that besides water, food and drink are not allowed. Coffee doesn’t make the cut, unfortunately.
The ʻIliahi building is also one of the ‘hubs’ of student life on campus (photo by Chris Takahashi)
Ohiʻa Cafeteria
If you can’t dread the thought of leaving your work behind at lunch, look no further than the Ohiʻa Cafeteria. Once you find something ʻono to eat in the cafeteria, you’ll want to make your way to the back patio, especially if it’s a sunny day. WiFi extends out here, and you’re treated with views clear across Maunalua Bay. Inside the cafeteria itself, round tables are the name of the game so it’s the perfect place for group projects over lunch.
ʻIliahi Building (First Floor)
You’ve found the right building if, upon entering, mayo fumes from Subway overwhelm your olfactory system. Once you’ve acclimated to the smell, can you settle into whatever work you’ve brought along. This space is decidedly hip, with exposed metal conduits on the ceiling giving the impression of an industrial warehouse. At the ground level it’s quite comfortable and more homely in appearance. It’s a place to catch up on the latest gossip; surf the web; check email; and, if you’re really a scholar, finish that assignment due in 15 minutes.
One of the classrooms in the Kahikoluamea Center has a nice view of Waikīkī (photo by Chris Takahashi)
Kahikoluamea Center (Second Floor, ʻIliahi Building)
The Kahikoluamea Center is located on the second floor of the ʻIliahi Building. Tucked away and almost hidden from sight by tinted windows, the center is a gem of a study spot on campus. Inside you’ll find a diversity of options for studying, from couches to classrooms. There’s also a study table located within the on-site kitchen, if that’s your cup of tea. Speaking of tea, if you actually wanted to brew a cup while studying, you could do so without leaving the comfort of your swivel chair.
The STEM Center
If you’re a Liberal Arts major looking to cozy up with Hemingway, this might not be the place. However, if you’re a STEM major, this is where you belong. The space is reminiscent of an interactive classroom for all your STEM requirements. There’s enough computing power for engineering programs, and an adjacent room is dedicated to models of human anatomy. There’s also a collaborative vibe found here. If you have trouble understanding a difficult physics equation, chances are good that someone at your workstation could tutor you.
(From left) KCC students Mia Vallero and David Acosta study in the Olapa courtyard (photo by Chris Takahashi)
Olapa
It would really only make sense for you to study here if you had a class in the Olapa Building, as the place is located on the fringe of campus. You’re also never studying alone here; the prevailing tradewinds are always at your back. In reality, the Olapa courtyard is a good place to share a picnic table with a friend and, of course, your textbook.
Honorable Mention: The Great Lawn
The Great Lawn features a few tables located just below the Kokiʻo Building. If you can manage to find one of these tables empty, consider yourself lucky. Depending on the time of day these can either be shaded or drenched in sunlight. The Great Lawn is arguably one of the more scenic spots on campus to study.
To read all of Chris’ stories, click here. Chris can be reached at cbt79@hawaii.edu.
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