If you’re not going to a teacher’s classroom, TASC and tutorial often feel like a rush to secure a study spot before they’re all gone or overrun with noisy freshmen. Although it’s a trek to get to the third floor, the English wing has some of the best and quietest areas in the school. After more than three years at the upper school, I can confidently say that the corner tables near the Office of Equity and Community Engagement (OECE) are unbeatable spots to study.
The English wing has a few spots to study, including the English Work Space, which is situated next to freshman Grade Dean Jen Vance’s office. Near the OECE there are multiple tables to choose from, including two that are nestled in corners and underneath large windows. The English Work Space is a fine spot to study, but it doesn’t have the views or seclusion found at the tables by the OECE.
Among the many pros of working at these tables, the foremost advantage is their practicality for studying. Both are wide, circular tables that are tucked away, providing plenty of space to spread out and be distant from everyone else. This hallway on the third floor can get a little stuffy sometimes, but the silence and ample room for studying are unmatched.
Personally, my favorite thing about these tables are the long rows of windows they sit next to. Both spots have great lighting that makes you feel awake when all you want to do is curl up for a nap. One set of windows looks out on the Minneapolis skyline and the other has a view of the Otis Courtyard. The views offer the perfect setting for studying and an inviting backdrop for daydreaming, which feels much more idyllic than the reality of cramming for an econ test.
As an aside, the rooftop underneath the aforementioned skyline view would make a perfect patio. Picture this: rather than just two small tables facing the staircase, there’s a door that opens onto the gravel rooftop with more tables and chairs for studying or relaxing. Would this be a major liability and unusable for at least half of the school year? Sure. Will these realities crush my vision? Absolutely not.
Regardless of the lack of an open-air patio, the English wing still has the best places to escape the chaos throughout the rest of the school and get to work. Next time you’re looking for a spot to polish your essay or crank out some math homework, don’t overlook the third floor.
