It’s exam season. your sleep schedule is non existent, caffeine has replaced actual meals and the library? Honestly, finding a seat feels like more of an achievement than actually writing your diss. You’re just trying to get through the day without having to do laps around Phil Rob, avoiding awkward eye contact and passive aggressive stares. By the time you’ve made it to a seat, you’re already emotionally drained—at this point, the dissertation might be the least stressful part. So here’s everything in libraries that make me want to drop out:
Phil Rob at 9am being overfilled
You can’t make it to your 9am lectures throughout the semester but manage to go to the library. And with the strikes, it’s even more packed. Suddenly, everyone’s a morning person when deadlines hit.
Reserving seats and not using them all day
You leave your stuff to “save” a spot, disappear for hours, thinking you’ll be back in a bit—seminar, coffee, a ‘quick’ catch-up and and by the time you’re back, an entire day’s gone by. What was the point?
Hearing someone talk about how they’re “so behind”… and they’re on 9,000 words already
Yeah, sure, that’s totally what ‘behind’ looks like. Who knew 9,000 words meant you’re falling behind? Learn something new everyday.
The queue for the microwaves at lunch time
You just wanted to heat up pasta you meal prepped, but the queue is so longer than the line to Hobo, so you end scranning some cold pasta. Guess being organised doesn’t always pay off…
Going to ground floor collab in Phil Rob with no Wi-Fi
You go there to be productive, but end up just staring at a loading screen for half the day. The only thing you’re “collaborating” with is your own frustration.
You’re about to crash and realise the cafe is shut
Might as well call it a day. At least you’ll save some money, and let’s be real—how productive were you really going to be after that coffee anyway?
The “just to lyk, it’s closing in five minutes” announcement
Didn’t need a reminder on how late I decided to lock in or how long I’ve spent in library being ‘productive’, which mostly consisted of adding six tabs of JSTOR articles I’ll never read, online shopping, scrolling through TikTok, and debriefing. At least I’m making progress… maybe just not the academic kind x
And if you forgot your student card? That’s your sign to call it a day
The walk of shame back home almost kills your motivation.
When the only computer left has a broken keyboard
You just wanted to get some work done, but now you’re typing with keys that barely work. Guess it’s time to bring a laptop next time.
The plug sockets not working
Nothing is worse when you’re actually doing work then find out that the plug sockets aren’t working. Now you have to find a new seat with working plug sockets.
The slow loading of JSTOR
Might as well have written my own article by the time it loads.
The scabies signs are EVERYWHERE
They’re posted on every wall, making you second guess every chair you’ve ever sat in. That random scratch on your arm? Now you’re wondering if it’s just stress or if you’ve somehow picked something up from that seat you’ve been in for hours. Then you realise someone you know has scabies, and now you’re questioning your life choices – next thing you know, you’re ordering some cream just in case, thinking it’s better being safe than sorry x
Seeing everyone and anyone you know at the Phil Rob, even the person you totally forgot about
Not even Snap maps can prepare you for who you’ll see. You thought you were just going to get some work done but then you’re running into everyone from that person you haven’t seen since Fresher’s to your ex situationship—some people you don’t mind seeing, others? Well, let’s just say it’s a bit of a surprise.
Checking your reflection in the laptop camera or phone, just to see if you look as tired as you feel
You think you look fine, but then the reality of locking in for the week hits. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss x
