With midterm season in full swing, it’s not uncommon to see people taking the occasional nap on campus.
Ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, power naps can be an effective way to boost memory, creativity, and productivity. They leave you more energized and ready to tackle any task. In hindsight, we’d probably all benefit from a power nap or two.
If you’re looking for somewhere to take a quick snooze, you’ve come to the right place. Here is my take on the best and most socially acceptable places to nap on campus.
5. Mitchell Hall Second Floor Couches
If you’re in a pinch, the second floor of Mitchell Hall is the place to go. Depending on the time, you might score a spot on one of the couches furthest from Starbucks.
In terms of comfiness, this has to be one of the better spots on the list. While there’s nowhere to lay your head, there’s a cushioned back rest to help make sleeping upright more comfortable.
The biggest downside is the building gets a bit busy in between classes. The likelihood of someone you know seeing you is fairly high, especially since Mitchell is a hub for both engineers and Starbucks lovers.
4. Stauffer Library First Floor Booths
This is one of the more common places to take a nap. Finding a good place to sit in Stauffer is already impossible—I say this from a seat next to the men’s bathroom on the fourth floor—so consider yourself lucky if you snag a booth.
In terms of social acceptability, this is the best place to snooze. The first floor can be somewhat noisy, so just pop your earbuds in and listen to your favourite white noise playlist on Spotify. You’ll be out in no time.
My advice, maybe lay your head on your bag or jacket. You don’t know what goes on in the Stauffer booths.
3. Biosci Lecture Hall
This may not be the obvious choice, but any first-year lecture at Biosci makes for a great place to nap. Bonus points if you happen to wander into a PSYC 100 lecture on consciousness and sleep.
The seats are quite spacious with lots of leg room, and if you get a seat in the back row, it’s like you were never even there.
Although falling asleep in the middle of a lecture is frowned upon, if you do it right, you’ll be surrounded by first years who won’t judge. Even they understand desperate times call for desperate measures.
2. Bracken Library Basement Booths
Bracken Health Sciences Library is one of the most underrated spots on campus. It’s a bit of a trek, especially if you don’t frequent that side of campus, but it’s well worth the walk.
The basement has many booths and you’re likely to secure a spot. If you need quiet to doze off, this is the place to be—any noise and you’ll get glares coming at you from all sides.
Considering it’s a Health Sciences library, people will understand your struggle. There’s no need to be ashamed since everyone’s in the same boat.
1. Stauffer Library Fireplace Reading Room
Coming in hot in first place is the Fireplace Reading Room on the second floor of Stauffer.
To no one’s surprise, this is one of the best places to take a quick power nap in between long and hard study sessions. To put it plainly, the vibes are just there.
The dim lighting, comfy chairs, and complete silence makes it the most conducive environment for a nap. People might be a little mad you’re taking up a seat in this coveted study spot, but you snooze you lose.
***
Next time you find yourself in need of a quick power nap, consider these places on campus. However, don’t blame me if your go-to nap spot is now too crowded.
I didn’t share mine for a reason.
The Journal accepts Letters to the Editor or Op-Eds from all members of the Queen’s and Kingston community. Please submit Letters to the Editor at: journal_letters@ams.queensu.ca.
Tags
Midterms, Napping, Stauffer, Student life
All final editorial decisions are made by the Editor(s)-in-Chief and/or the Managing Editor. Authors should not be contacted, targeted, or harassed under any circumstances. If you have any grievances with this article, please direct your comments to journal_editors@ams.queensu.ca.