Students’ go-to study spots: SS and library compete for first place

Students apply different study methods in different study environments. Some students prefer quiet, others prefer noise.

So, where do students on the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU) prefer to do their academic work? 

Dr Mathew Moyo, the chief  director of library and information service, said: “Some of the students prefer to study and do assignments in the Ferdinand Postma Library and others prefer the Klipoog Cafeteria, known by all on campus as the SS.”

For some students, the buzz in the cafeteria puts them at ease when dealing with their academic work. For others, it is a matter of convenience because the cafeteria is nearby and students are allowed to eat while studying. However, some students go to the library because it is easier for them to concentrate and be motivated to complete their tasks when it is quiet and when they see other focused students. 

According to Moyo, students differ when it comes to studying venues. “Some prefer noisy and busy spaces and others prefer quiet and calm spaces. Mostly it depends on how serious the exam or assignments are,” he said. 

Rudolph van Rensburg, a third-year BSc Information Technology student, is one of the students who prefers to study in the cafeteria. Van Rensburg said he cannot study in a quiet place. “I think some students go to the library to study because it’s quiet, but I prefer to study in a crowded place like the cafeteria.”

Magdeli Potgieter, a zoology and biochemistry student, agrees. She finds the quiet disturbing. “There is a lot of pressure when you know that you need to be quiet but in the cafeteria it is not a big deal because the noise doesn’t disturb me. All I do is put on my headset, play loud music, and focus on my studies.”

Palesa Maselo, a first-year health and human movement science student, said she stress-eats when studying. “I come to the cafeteria more often to study because I can eat while studying.”

Students apply different skills and techniques when studying. “I prefer to read aloud while studying, which makes it easier for me to understand the context better. It is impossible to do this in the library,” Maselo said.

In the cafeteria, students can communicate freely and openly because they are not concerned about being told to keep the noise down. They can speak up while discussing group assignments, Potgieter said.

“In general, doing academic work in the cafeteria is more practical and the active atmosphere of people talking helps you to not fall asleep and focus on your work,” Van Rensburg said.

However, Mikaila Myburgh, a first-year communication student, prefers to study in the library. “I will never do intensive studying in the cafeteria. I only prefer doing group assignments in the SS. It is a convenient place for group members,” she added.

According to Moyo, the Library Information Service (LIS) is a suitable space for students to study. Its secure spaces are convenient and conducive to serious studying.

Joncu Posthumus, an education student, finds the library comfortable for group work due to the available space and productivity. He also prefers the library during exam times because it is much easier for him to concentrate there without being distracted. 

“The library has the research commons spaces for master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral students as well as teaching and learning commons for undergraduate students. They are specially built spaces to advance the learning interest of students,” Moyo said.