By Juliana Stumpp
A&E Co-Editor
A few weeks ago, students were asked to leave Markstein Hall after 10 p.m. Markstein is very popular among students at night because of the new technology it provides, as well as numerous study rooms on the third floor. Students are frustrated with the new rule.
“I used to go up there every night in order to get my homework done because it is the only place I can focus,” sophomore Bryce Heathcock, said. “Now I can’t go there after 10 and it’s affecting my school work.”
The library doesn’t cut it for students because it has enforced its closing times. On weekdays, the library hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students who are heavily involved on campus can’t always make it to the library.
My day starts at 6 a.m. with back-to-back work or school until 6 p.m. Then, I need to study for exams or do homework for classes the next day. I also need to make myself dinner, do chores and relax after a long day. I need to give myself a well-deserved break before starting my homework, and that doesn’t even start until 9 or 10 p.m. Surely I’m not the only student experiencing this problem.
Where else are students supposed to study?
The Clarke has multiple break rooms and a study room for student athletes. The Clarke is also a place where activities, such as InterVarsity and fitness classes, take place. These events often get loud and bring in a large crowd.
The UVA and Quad offer limited study rooms for the number of students that reside there. The UVA classroom is spacious but students like their privacy when it comes to studying. Some students enjoy listening to music while others enjoy complete silence. Even private rooms in the dorms aren’t enough. With three roommates things can get loud and distracting. Moreover, the UVA closes at 11 p.m. on weekdays.
The library at SDSU has 24/7 study areas accessible to students. They have special food and drink areas for late night munchies and rooms to reserve for study groups. Also featured, is a quiet study area for those who don’t like noise when studying.
Certain colleges are open until 11 p.m. or even 1 a.m. UCSD has various study spots on campus that give students 24/7 access for residents or during finals week. Their campus is very accommodating to their students when it comes to late night studying.
CSUSM already has limited study spots as it is. To take away a place where students get their work done is discouraging. Hopefully the student union, coming in the next two years (hopefully), will give students full access to study rooms. Until then, UPD and students should come to an agreement about Markstein Hall hours and give students the freedom to study whenever.