Nothing signifies the end of a semester like 20-hour days at the library.
Forget the tedious exams, boring term papers and inane group projects; late nights at Library West (or Club West as everyone should know by now) let us know the beginning of the end is upon us.
We don't know if it's the beeping, sliding bookshelves or the not-so-hushed unwhispers of the Starbucks-sponsored stats group behind you, but there's something magical about seeing Club West transform into a caffeine-fueled stress ball at the beginning of December.
Who really needs to be at the library until 4 a.m.?
Do the extra three hours give you the edge you need to bump your grade up a letter?
We aren't very good at studying, but we recognize its benefits. Hitting the books until the sun comes up doesn't seem like the healthiest plan of attack, especially not during finals.
As far back as we can remember, school administrators and teachers have been preaching the horrors of all-nighters. Those folks always told us it is more effective to study little by little rather than cramming everything in all at once.
Obviously, things come up (Ladies' Night) all of a sudden (every Wednesday everywhere) that can set you back in your studies.
We know all about these kinds of random incidents that cause homework to pile up, but a super late night at the library won't dig you out of the too-many-Happy-Hours hole you've dug yourself into.
As tempting as it may be to get your espresso post-midnight and slink down to Club West's creepy first floor, try getting some sleep during finals week. As it turns out, the library opens everyday at 8 a.m., which is like extended hours if you usually don't roll out of bed until noon.
