We need hardly tell you that finals are upon us and Bobst is less a library than the academic version of a Church on Christmas or Easter these days The secret of the magic gourd download. (As in packed with people who ignore the place entirely the rest of the semester and then make life impossible for regular Bobst-goers.) The thing is, I’m one of those people. And I feel a little bad about it. So, in order to make amends for stealing precious study space from the more deserving, we’ve got a few other (at least somewhat original) options for on-campus studying.

• We have it on good authority that the Math Library in the Courant Institute (251 Mercer) generally has study space to spare. Probably because “library” sounds bad, but “math library” sounds far worse. 
• The newly-renovated classrooms on Bobst LL1 are open until 10pm and largely un-occupied (or at least they were last week). Even if you end up sharing the large space with another group of frantic students, it’s better than finding yourself seat-less after the walk of shame around the main Bobst study areas.
• Gallatin Colloquium Rooms. First off, they exist (who knew?). Secondly you don’t technically have to be preparing for colloquium to get in. The only downside is the windowless, fluorescent-lit existence you’ll have there. But the possibility of being driven to madness by over-exposure to such a hostile environment may very well serve as motivation.
• Allegedly, say you’re in the class Reel Delivery and you’ll be let into one of the Tisch 9th floor lab rooms (through 9pm).
• I once used the Law School Library (underground between Vanderbilt Hall and Furman) and found that I felt significantly less like killing myself by the time I was done with my paper. Access, however, is a bit of a pain in the ass, as they use a swipe system and we’re lowly undergrads. If you’re feeling hard core and want to give it a shot, here’s what worked for me: 1) go at night, 2) take shoes off and hide them in bag, 3) carry a lot in your arms so as to justify merely flashing your ID with a weary “ugh, finals” expression on your face, breeze through the swing gate. If you’re stopped, explain that you were already inside, you just had to grab more stuff from the lounge. “You don’t believe me? I left my shoes and half of my books in there!” Or you can just say you work in AV and your ID is in the office.

Pointing out that he is “a) asian and b) a nerd,” City Editor Kenny Hsu also has a few [less convoluted] tips about taking advantage of the glories of the NYU Law School:

• Finals week is a perfectly legitimate reason to finally explore the illustrious Law School on Washington Square South. I don’t think undergrads are technically allowed to use the Law School facilities, but as with all school buildings, security guards don’t question the NYU ID. Just flash it to the front guard and you’ll remember how it felt to get into to your first bar with a fake ID.
• The first floor of Vanderbilt Hall, the main Law School building across from the Park’s chess corner, has a nice study lounge with a few private, one-person rooms. Expect some awkwardness: law students will be eyeing you and your lack of a college degree. But it’s probably worth it since the lounge has one nice perk that I’m not inclined to mention (hint: rhymes with pree finting).
• The second floor lounge of Furman Hall (West 3rd St. & Sullivan St.) is one giant room with couches and dim lighting, perfect for napping while studying. I’ve rarely seen any other students here, so feel free to wear your pajamas.

Photo: flickr courtesy of Linda Camacho.