As finals loom around the corner, so do the inevitable feelings of dread and anxiety about all the things that stand between you and an exceptionally long summer break. And if you’re anything like me, studying in your room just isn’t cutting it anymore. Luckily for us, Milligan’s campus AND the greater Johnson City/Elizabethton area are simply full of unique locations to crack the books, each accommodating a different vibe. For your sanity, here are four new places on- and off-campus to cram.
Second floor of the Welshimer Library (keep reading for the unique part)
Milligan College Campus
I know what you’re thinking, and you’re right–there’s nothing new or unique about the second floor of the library. Everyone uses the study rooms and desks placed around the dozens of bookshelves. However, I have found it a particularly peaceful place to study in the morning around 11 a.m. when the sun comes pouring in the windows facing the pavilion. Sit at one of the desks or on the floor directly in front of the window for some photosynthesis while you read or take a final look at your notes before the exam.
Dos Gatos
238 E Main St, Johnson City, TN 37604
Johnson City’s newest coffee bar, Dos Gatos, offers an impressive variety of hot and iced drinks for those of you who are into quality coffee and tea. Grab a nitro or a Cafe Miel (my personal favorite drink, often called “a sweater in a cup”) and sit at one of the many tables or armchairs while you type out those last eight pages or finish designing that portfolio. A variety of artisanal foods by Orchard Mason (a local chef) are also available on weekdays to keep you fueled while you work. A minimal yet eclectic space, the background music varies in genre depending on the baristas working that day but always promotes a warm and productive environment.
Johnson City Public Library
100 W Millard St, Johnson City, TN 37604
If you’re looking to get off-campus but are running short on funds, you’re not alone. Check out Johnson City Public Library, right in the heart of the downtown area. Two stories tall, it’s filled with all manner of books and movies, as well as lots of natural light from the windows that provide a striking view of the mountains and city. There are plenty of tables and chairs to sit at upstairs, with free wifi and outlets to charge your computer while you work. The library is open every day of the week, offering a quiet and studious environment to spread out your books and papers and get things done.
Buffalo Creek (no, not in the creek)
Milligan College Campus
Spring has arguably sprung, and for those random warm and sunny days that occasionally bless us, the shore next to Buffalo Creek by the front entrance of campus can be the perfect place to get into nature and study without having to drive anywhere. Just a quick walk from anywhere on campus, there are plenty of trees next to the rippling water that provide a place to string up a hammock or spread out a blanket in the shade. Beware if your studying involves loose papers as it can get a bit breezy; otherwise, this location offers a pleasant, quiet place to acquire lots of knowledge in a little time and find your inner peace before the craziness of finals sets in.