Author: Alison Spandorfer
Many of us are already beginning to feel the pressure as prelims are in full swing and Netflix all-nighters no longer fit into our schedules. During “prelim szn,” Carpenter becomes your new bedroom, Mann becomes your social life, and Statler becomes your kitchen. Each library at Cornell has its own special spark, so here’s your go-to guide for the scoop on each one:
Mann Library
cornell.edu
Who goes there: Your swipe rights on Tinder
giphy.com
What to wear: No one will judge you if you’re spotted in last weekend’s party outfit
Nearest food venue: Manndibles. With peppermint hot chocolate, burritos, and other specialty beverages, you will feel #blessed as you cram for your prelim
giphy.com
Most commonly overheard: “So the other night…”
Where to study: Second floor is quiet enough to get work done, but busy enough to people watch and show off your carefully-selected study outfit/collection of computer stickers.
Olin Library
wikimedia.org
Who goes there: “Any person…any study” – Ezra Cornell
What to wear: Leggings and a sweater will keep you comfortable during your late night studying.
Nearest food venue: Libe Cafe. With warm chocolate chip cookies, fresh fruit, nuts, and coffee galore, Libe provides you with brain fuel for any test.
giphy.com
Most commonly overheard: “Ugh! I cannot find anywhere to study in here!”
giphy.com
Where to study: If you can find a spot (which is rare), the stacks. If you’re looking for a classic frat scene, Olin basement.
Uris Library
wikimedia.org
Who goes there: Those that are still sad they didn’t get their Hogwarts acceptance letter when they tuned 11.
giphy.com
What to wear: It’s okay if your wand is in your back pocket, but you might need to hide your Potter-love from all the haters.
Nearest food venue: You’ll have to walk outside to Libe.
giphy.com
Most commonly overheard: “I love it when the clock tower plays Harry Potter”
Where to study: A.D. White Library, so you can look out over our beautiful campus (that’s sadly just not Hogwarts).
Carpenter
wikipedia.org
Who goes there: Engineers
What to wear: Sweats and comfy clothes 24/7.
Nearest food venue: CTB. This short walk let’s you get a quick bite of your favorite pizza bagel before your all nighter.
giphy.com
Most commonly overheard: “The limit does not exist!”
tumblr.com
Where to study: Anywhere that there is silence (aka everywhere).
Statler:
wordpress.com
Who goes there: Hotelies
What to wear: Don’t step into that library without your best business casual outfit, especially on Fridays.
Nearest food venue: Macs & Terrace. Hotelies really have it best.
Most commonly overheard: “Did you taste the crème brulée that was made in Culinary last week?”
giphy.com
Where to study: Kick back and study in the lounge conveniently located right by the coffee bar.
Africana Library:
cornell.edu
Who goes there: Sophomores living on North and the occasional Freshman.
What to wear: This is your time to wear your baggy sweatpants and T-shirt. The likeliness of seeing someone you know? “The odds are ever in your favor.”
giphy.com
Nearest food venue: Our beloved Nasties is about a 7-10 minute walk away.
Most commonly overheard: “Where am I?”
giphy.com
Where to study: There’s always room in Africana!
With these tips in mind, be sure to choose your study spots wisely this year. Don’t get too distracted by the social scene of the libraries…or perhaps the lack thereof.
