Our school has over 30 libraries that are somehow always occupied, however, I never really saw the appeal. As a somewhat introverted person, I used to heavily dislike going to the library.

• Most of them are so quiet that I feel that any noise I make will be echoed throughout the entire room. 
• The libraries are usually so full that it’s difficult to even find a seat — let alone one with a charging outlet.
• Why go to the library to do work when you can just do it from the comfort of your own home?

However, as I’m typing this on floor one of Moffitt Library, I think my perspective has done a total flip. So for those of you who need some convincing, here’s how I was convinced. 

Try going to a noisy library floor with a friend or two

Of course, by this, I don’t mean going to the library with a group of friends to mess around and take up seats that otherwise could’ve been occupied by others. But, I’ve found studying with friends to be therapeutic and much more enjoyable than sitting there alone (at least in the beginning). You have someone to talk to, someone to ask questions to (even if they have no idea what you’re talking about), or someone who can watch your stuff for you when you want to grab a quick bite to eat.

Don’t think of it as a chore

Remember, you’re not going to be here at UC Berkeley forever. So why not make use of the time you do have here by taking in all that our school has to offer? Plus, if you go in with the mindset that you’re going to the library simply because you have to (which we all do sometimes), you won’t be as motivated! 

It can increase productivity!

Staying at home can be tempting. I mean, who doesn’t want to stay in their pajamas and have their bed easily accessible all day long? But look at it this way, by going to the library instead of staying at home you’re basically forced to put yourself in a productive mindset. You have to dress up a bit more than when you lounge at home. You can’t just jump in bed whenever you want to or whenever you’re “taking a little break.” 

So for those who need a little nudge to start going to the library or want to change up their work environment, I hope my personal experience on how I’ve started liking the library convinces you to try going just once. I used to frown at the thought of going to the library too (still do when I have upcoming midterms), but hey! It’s not all that bad when you really try it out and I can see why our libraries are seemingly always so crowded.