Partying in the library: Not taboo
By Katie Powers
This quarter, it's time to combine the best of both worlds: spring quarter partying and the new library.
Who said drinking and studying didn't go together?
The Harrington Learning Commons is the hottest new spot on campus, and I assure you it will not only be an impeccable study space, but the start of every party.
One of the best ways to start the weekend is to begin your homework Friday or Saturday afternoon. I know this sounds lame, but you'd rather have it at least started by the time Sunday afternoon rolls around and you are still feeling the ill effects of the past two nights. And besides, I have the perfect un-nerdy solution to starting homework and the party night: alcoholic energy drinks.
Slam back that Sparks or crack open a Tilt. Don't worry, the unknowing library staff will mistake your beverage for the more common study energy drink.
You on the other hand, will be jolted into the jittery world of uppers and downers: caffeine and alcohol. I do attribute a slight warning to these drinks: They are intense. Kind of like crack. But that's all right. Turn on your headphones and work it. You'll be pumped up for your reading, and then once are so buzzed that you can no longer focus, it's time to go home and eat dinner.
During the day, spring will bring its infamous afternoons of drinking and lounging. This may interfere with your scholarly research, but no worries; there is an answer.
Why choose between studying and a day party? Take it from me, they go hand in hand.
Enjoy a Saturday afternoon reading while taking sips from a margarita-filled thermos on the library's beautiful second-floor outdoor terrace.
Lay back with a few friends, enjoying the bird's eye view of campus. With the plush recliners and breezy spring air, you'll feel as if you're studying at a resort.
Keep in mind, intoxication and writing do not always combine smoothly. Often it will require a few sober revisions. But that's no problem, and can easily be done from your bed on Sunday morning.
Once you return to the drudgery of the school week, the party doesn't have to stop. Granted, you should probably exchange your margaritas and Sparks for a mug of coffee or tea if you plan on actually getting good grades this quarter. But you need not lament the necessary change in beverage.
The weekday party will turn into a bath of rigorous academic intellectuals and pseudo-intellectuals getting their homework on. Feel free to make eyes across the room or daydream about reserving one of those studying rooms for ... not studying. Weekday or weekend, I think homework just got a lot more fun.