Do you find yourself struggling to be productive after school? Are you procrastinating on your homework until the late hours of the night? Well, the solution might be closer than you think! All around the Franklin Lakes, Oakland, and Wyckoff (FLOW) area are incredible study spots where you can be in a new environment, take a seat, and get to work! Here are the top five places we recommend.
- Ramapo’s Library Media Center
Want a quiet alternative to the cafeteria to get homework done, or need to cram for a test later on in the day? Po’s very own Library Media Center is the perfect place to get work done during your lunch period! When asked why Ramapo students choose to sit in the Media Center for lunch, our very own Library Media Specialist, Mrs. Ferro, responded, “The Library Media Center is a comfortable, safe space where students can sit in small groups or alone and enjoy a calmer atmosphere than the cafe.” As far as rules go, they are simple and all revolve around respect, “Don’t move the furniture, speak quietly, and clean up before you leave,” Mrs. Ferro shares. Also, starting this month, National Honor Society members will be tutoring students during all lunch periods. If you need help on an assignment, stop by the table with the orange binder!
- Wyckoff Public Library
The Wyckoff Public Library is an amazing study spot with free WiFi, comfortable chairs, and outlets at almost every table. Open until 9 PM Monday-Thursday and until 5 PM Friday-Sunday, it is a great place to get work done any day of the week (Wyckoff Public Library). The high ceilings provide an open atmosphere and the bright lights make it hard to tell that time is passing by. Last year they held “Study and Snacks” during quarterly weeks where they provided pizza, snacks, drinks, and brain-break activities for students after school. Though there are no quarterlies this year, we recommend keeping your eye out for any similar activities they may have planned!
- Franklin Lakes Public Library
With two floors of chairs and tables, along with free WiFi, the Franklin Lakes Public Library will have everything you need to get through any major study session. They are open until 9 PM Monday-Thursday, 6 PM on Friday, and 5PM Saturday and Sunday (Franklin Lakes Public Library). Senior Sarah Taouafe says that her favorite spot in the library is by the windows upstairs because of its convenient outlet and natural light. She adds, “It’s isolated, but not completely closed off from the rest of the library, allowing me to get up and browse the library shelves if I need a quick break.”
- Oakland Public Library
The Oakland Public Library is open until 8 PM on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and until 5 PM on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Oakland Public Library). If you need a quiet and secluded space to study, you can rent the “Quiet Study Room” through their website at oaklandnjlibrary.org.
- Starbucks (Boulder Run)
Just a seven-minute drive from Po is the Starbucks in Boulder Run, a favorite study spot for many students. If you need a caffeinated pick-me-up or a quick bite to eat before you get started on homework, this is the place for you! With free WiFi, fun music, charging outlets, and indoor/outdoor seating, procrastination does not stand a chance here.
As the school year progresses and the workload gets heavier, procrastination definitely starts to creep up, but remember that you can do anything you set your mind to. Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery, so give these study spots a try!
