Finding My Rhythm on Mayflower Hill: Academics & Favorite Study Spots
By Hannah Nguyen
Hi everyone! It’s Hannah again! Coming all the way from Vietnam to Colby, people often ask me: “How different is college academic life here compared to back home?”
To be honest, it’s a whole new world! In Vietnam, high school felt like a marathon of memorizing theories and preparing for exams. But at Colby, learning is so much more interactive, hands-on, and reflective. Here, professors actually encourage us to ask “why” and “how” rather than just memorizing facts. This interaction makes classes feel like collaborative discussions rather than one-way lectures.
With a busy schedule full of problem sets, coding labs, and reading assignments, finding the right study space is key to staying sane and inspired. Here are my top go-to nooks on campus!
When I need absolute peace or just want to study in my pajamas, my desk in Goddard-Hodgkins is the ultimate spot. There’s something so comforting about the warm sunlight streaming through the window during golden hour while I catch up on my reading.
Miller is the heart of academic life on campus. Whenever I need to dive deep into my homework, I head to these grand wooden tables. The quiet, focused energy of everyone around me instantly boosts my productivity!
Mudd is my favorite place for between-class study sessions. Sitting in one of those comfy leather armchairs right by the large window, watching the autumn leaves turn red while tackling assignments, makes studying feel almost therapeutic.
Bixler is an absolute hidden gem! It’s super spacious, quiet, and filled with natural light pouring in from the huge windows. It’s my go-to spot when I want a change of scenery away from the busier libraries.
On crisp, sunny days, I love sitting at the colorful outdoor tables near the Colby College Museum of Art. There are a lot of projects and writing for freshmen to explore and enjoy the artworks here. Writing reflection on combining visual art with coursework in the fresh air is truly a peak Colby experience!
Navigating college academics as an international freshman isn’t always easy, but having these cozy spaces and an encouraging community makes the journey so rewarding. What’s your favorite study spot on campus? Let me know! 💙