Eunoia Diaries #2: Best Study Areas in EJC

Written by: Chan Kar Teng (24-I2), Xavier Lee (24-O2)

Designed by: Xavier Lee (24-O2)

Every student in Junior College has one of two worries: their J1 Promotional Examinations at the end of their school year or the ‘A’ Level Examinations that will determine their future career path. J2 Eunoians have had ample time and opportunity to try out the different study areas within the school grounds, but how about the J1s? This then begs the question: what is the best study area in Eunoia? To answer this question, we asked Eunoians which study areas they use most often and compiled their responses in this article, allowing YOU to know the best spots to mug at the last minute or plan your academic comeback this year! 

1.The Library

In first place, the library has claimed the crown as the best study area in Eunoia. With two whole levels full of spacious tables and cushioned chairs, the library is an air-conditioned sanctuary, providing students with plenty of room to spread out their never-ending pile of lecture notes and tutorials, allowing them to focus on the task at hand. The quiet atmosphere of the library ensures that students will not be distracted by external noises, and the cooling environment prevents students’ brains from overheating due to excessive use. This conducive study area is by far the most effective for students aiming to get their work done efficiently, and is open to all from 8:30am to 6pm on weekdays. As an added bonus, there are even outlets present within the library for students to plug in their devices, guaranteeing that the grind will never be interrupted by a flat iPad or dying chromebook. With all these amazing and practical features, it is no wonder why the library has won over the hearts of most Eunoians!

2. Tutorial Rooms

Part of students’ daily lessons, tutorial rooms are also highly favoured by students as an optimal study area. Once the day’s classes have ended, students are able to remain in their tutorial rooms to study to their hearts’ content, making it a convenient and accessible location to hit the books. Without the need to be absolutely silent like in the library, students have the opportunity to engage in conversation with their peers, facilitating insightful discussions on how to solve a particularly tough Math problem or how to analyse a poem from the Literature Fundamentals package. These talks stimulate problem-solving and critical thinking in students, enhancing their learning and providing more meaning in their education. Not to mention, tutorial rooms usually have excellent connection to the Internet, allowing students to have easy access to the web, so that they may search up any further questions they may have regarding their homework. This makes tutorial rooms a goldmine for studying and a favourite among students. Additionally, tutorial rooms without air-conditioning receive a delightful breeze from the outside environment, ensuring that students do not feel too stuffy while revising in their classrooms. Just remember to place something heavy on your worksheets, or the strong wind may blow the papers right off your desk!

3. Canteen

The canteen can be split into two: the Bishan park and symposia sides. While these two areas have separate conditions and vibes, it is not uncommon to find numerous groups of Eunoians hard at work. Through the survey, Eunoians have described the canteen area as having “many seats” and “optimal studying conditions”. Well, it is true! The Bishan park side of the canteen offers an airy and open area for Eunoians to lock in while enjoying a riverside view as the Kallang river flows right beside the school. Stretching across the length of the symposia, the Bishan park side of the canteen is lined with rows upon rows of seats, which can accommodate a large majority of a batch. On the other hand, the symposia side of the canteen offers a more cosy atmosphere. Tables lined within an arm’s proximity, strong gusts from the fans above head, pool tables, basketball court and swings just in close proximity are just what makes the symposia side of the canteen unique. The atmosphere may be lively and cooling but it is just right so that your studying journey will not feel so lonely. After a nice long studying session, Eunoians can wind down and enjoy a game of pool or basketball, or just have a casual chat with friends on the swing. With the conditions set right, the canteen becomes a studying haven for all Eunoians.    

4. Discussion Rooms

Discussion rooms are rooms in the library that Eunoians can book and utilise for, as the name suggests, discussions and studying. While there are seats right outside the rooms, the discussion rooms are the only place in the library where you can actually hold a normal conversation with your friends. Need an explanation from your friends? There will not be noise complaints in the discussion room. Weather is too hot? The air conditioning in the discussion rooms will cool you down. Device low on power? There are power outlets in the discussion rooms that could be used to charge your devices. The discussion rooms have everything that Eunoians desire for a place to study with friends. Bookings can be made simply through the EJC portal at one hour interval bookings at a time. The rooms are incredibly popular and are usually fully booked during exam seasons, so remember to book ahead of time!

5. Level 9 Consultation Area

Last but not least, we have the level 9 consultation area. Being one of the most common areas in school to meet a tutor for a consultation, the level 9 consultation area is optimised just for the purpose of consultations, making it conditioned for studying. The level 9 consultation area is a hotspot that could be filled up to its full capacity almost every day. With various types of seats available, ranging from the cubby holes to the round tables, each seating area accommodates different group sizes, fitting for Eunoians of varying group sizes to utilise the space effectively. Equipped with many fans, the level 9 consultation area is also known to be a cooling study environment where it is neither hot nor cold and accompanied by the gentle breeze from Bishan park, it creates a well-ventilated environment, ripe for a fully focussed study session. 

With that, we have come to the end of the top five study areas in Eunoia according to our very own students! Whether it be the library, tutorial rooms or the canteen, do make sure that you take sufficient breaks during your study sessions and stay hydrated. We hope that this article was able to aid you in deciding where you should mug next, and we wish you good luck for your academic year!