I know how inviting your bed can be right after an hour or more of sitting in one of those cramped lecture seats. But let me tell you, staying on campus after class can increase productivity and, lucky for you, the UC Berkeley campus has plenty of places to go. Whether you want to grind, chill or socialize, there will be a place for you to go after class — just not home. These ideas can be your new approach to motivate yourself to stay on campus.
The Morrison to Doe Library pipeline
Morrison Library is a well-known hot spot for taking midday naps on campus. It’s super quiet; you can only hear the flipping of pages and footsteps walking in and out. Definitely take advantage of the comfortable couches to recharge, then head upstairs for some light work in Doe Library’s North Reading Room, or trudge downstairs to Main Stacks to lock in and grind away. A quick 20-minute nap can make a big difference in your day, and you won’t get too comfortable to the point where you can’t get off the couch — like you would in your bed at home. But beware of the incoming campus tour groups walking through Morrison, watching you snooze away.
Memorial Glade
Are you sick of being inside all day, longing for some vitamin D? Memorial Glade is the perfect spot for you. Once the weather warms up, take advantage of the vast lawn in the middle of campus to soak up the sun. Pop out your computer to work on an essay, or do some sunlit reading. Or if you’re feeling energized, partake in the slacklining or volleyball games happening on the Glade. But most importantly, make sure you do not step on the University seals around the Glade because if you do, you won’t get a 4.0 for the semester. True story — may my GPA rest in peace.
Any coffee shop
OK, this isn’t technically on campus, but millions of coffee shops line its outskirts. With the constant hubbub and chatter from coffee chats, it may be hard to focus there and lock in on your own work. So what do you do? Join in on the chatting vibe and go there with a class friend to work on an assignment together. Debrief the class, talk about what you learned, what you did and didn’t understand, compare your notes and teach each other! The refresher will help you when it’s time to take a midterm or the final. Reward yourself and your friend with an overpriced $8 drink. It’ll make the time much more rewarding knowing that you were actually locked in, not rotting in bed.
Office hours
After class, go and hang out outside your professor or GSI’s offices during their office hours and do your homework. If you get stuck on a problem, all you need to do is walk inside for help. I know it’s easier said than done, but make it your personal mission to go to office hours with each professor or GSI at least once a week for a minimum of 10 minutes. This is the perfect opportunity to talk to the professors about your life and theirs, and to ask questions about the homework, readings and lectures. After all, you are at UC Berkeley, where the best professors in the world teach, so be interested in what they have to say. That will also help you when push comes to shove and you’re on the borderline of getting the grade you want. Not to mention, the connections will also help you acquire a letter of recommendation for a job or internship in the future. Why spend alone time in your room when you can network?
4.0 Hill
If you’re really itching to go home, at least roll down 4.0 Hill. You’ll also let out some energy and relieve some stress. After all, it’s called 4.0 Hill for a reason: Legend has it, you’ll achieve a 4.0 upon rolling down it. After brushing yourself off, enjoy the shade and serenity that the Glade doesn’t always provide. Plus, you’ll more likely be able to see your computer screen without the sun glaring at it.
Despite your emotional attachment to your bed, building a repertoire of post-class spots on campus will naturally boost your academic performance. It’ll also help you stay excited about being a Golden Bear and take full advantage of everything UC Berkeley has to offer. And even if you sleep through your next lecture on those Morrison couches, at least you have a better excuse.