Surviving Midterms at Fordham

It’s midterm week, and all of campus is feeling the effects – between late-night studying sessions, excess coffee consumption and resulting sleep deprivation, students are buckling down and some (perhaps for the first time) are discovering the wonderful haven that is Walsh Library. This year, I approached midterms armed with a plan that included detailed study guides, ample break time, and abandoning the cozy warmth of my room for a place that may as well be my second home: the library. Feeling much like a packing mule trekking down the Grand Canyon, I loaded up my backpack, laptop, charger, snacks for sustenance, and as many books as I could fit, I left the comfort of my room for more productive horizons that lay just behind the giant library doors. Normally, I choose to sit in the desks on the second floor, by the windows, looking out over the lawn.

Occasionally, this seating choice can backfire, since the view of the sun shining on the grass and trees tends to lead one to want to enjoy the beautiful weather instead of working, yet in the spirit of midterms I find the strength to resist this urge. Once unpacked and organized, I begin my long afternoon attempting to master the French language and the many influences of genetics on family life.

Whenever I am in desperate need of a break and caffeine, I head over to the newly opened Campbell Café, (conveniently located in Campbell Hall, right next to the library).

The Campbell Café has a variety of delicious treats and up-scale food, most importantly (at least for me this week) is the coffee…which is “We Proudly Brew” Starbucks Coffee. Depending on my mood, I either go with a shot of espresso (If I’m in dire need of energy), regular coffee or a White Chocolate Mocha (when I’m looking for a treat!)

The inside of the Café is beautiful and the food is delicious. I have liked everything I’ve tried so far, since nothing beats a hot cup of coffee and a good snack. There’s also MooBella, an ice cream machine that lets you choose your flavor and topping, and then mixes it for you! It’s a great treat and really fun to use. Here’s a peak at what else is offered in the Café:

In the end, after many similar days of late night study sessions and help from both the Campbell Café and Walsh Library, I made it through midterm week. So what’s the moral of the story? When armed with right resources, it is possible to survive midterms!