Romanticizing The Library
Let's be honest, your duvet cover has a magnetic pull that the library just doesn't. We at The Edge have also stared at our ceiling and told ourselves we would just study at home… then woke up three hours later from our unplanned nap.
While finding the motivation to go to the library and start studying can feel impossible, we always seem to find the time to lie out in the sun or grab an 8 dollar matcha before class. The problem isn't your work ethic but your aesthetic. Stop making Belk feel like an obligation and start romanticizing the library. Don't know where to start? We have some tips on how you can make the library an ideal destination.
The Study Materials
Think back to middle school; red pens meant bad vibes. The same idea is still very much true. When you study with a composition notebook and black pens, the vibes are going to be just as blah as your setup. Investing in a planner you love and some chic pens can make studying more fun. Why can't your econ notes be pink?
The Outfit
What you wear can impact your mindset. When you look good, you feel good. No one wants to pull an all-nighter in the library wearing jeans, and we aren't suggesting that. But a sweat set is the perfect mix between comfy and cute. It's giving, I have my life together, without actually requiring that to be true. Pair your set with some Uggs and a claw clip; now you have achieved the perfect clean girl aesthetic and made the library your personal fashion show.
The Drink
If you're planning to spend hours in the library, your drink can be one of your best tools to keep you awake and focused. Coffee is the obvious choice, but there are so many other alternatives that feel less like a survival tactic and more like a treat. Matcha still has some caffeine if you're looking for that boost of energy, and energy drinks are a great choice too. Brands like Alani and Celsius have so many flavors that your caffeine never has to be boring!
Remember, energy is important, but so is hydration! Water is crucial not only to your studying but also to your overall health. Using a cute water bottle or tumbler can make drinking water fun and keep your ice frozen!
The Perfect Spot
The perfect study spot is wherever you're comfortable and can focus, but we do have some suggestions. If you don't need much space, the individual chairs facing the window on the second floor of Belk are a perfect sun-soaked spot to do work. If your session requires you to spread out, try to snag a study room or a booth on the second floor next to the writing center. Don't forget to check for outlets when you're picking where to sit!
The Snacks
If you're spending hours in the library, you're going to need a snack. While the vending machine is there for when we need it, do we really want it? Your snack should be tasty, healthy and support brain function! Dark chocolate is the perfect treat to boost your energy, plus it is known to help you focus by increasing your blood flow. If you're still hungry, try mixing it with nuts for a protein boost. Hummus and pretzels are another great study snack; the combination of protein and carbs stops you from crashing.
Adding some fun to your study routine might seem counterproductive, but the library doesn't have to be boring. With finals week quickly approaching, we hope that some of these tips can help you romanticize the library. We'll see you at Belk; don't forget your computer charger!