Finding Your Floor: Rating the Best Study Areas in Wahlstrom Library

By: Yemarah Dallas

University of Bridgeport’s Wahlstrom Library is a popular study destination — but for new students, it can be overwhelming. It’s no secret where Financial Aid, The Scribe, or the bookstore are, but if you are new to campus, you may have no idea where to study.

Drone footage of Wahlstrom Library, located on University of Bridgeport’s seaside campus.

In this mini guide, I’ll break down the four study floors of Walstrom Library.

The first floor

The first floor is the beating heart of Wahlstrom Library. Students constantly zoom in and out of the area to get their drinks or snacks.

The floor is mostly an open concept with computers in the back. You can log into the computers with your UB login and password to complete your online work (they come in handy when your laptop goes on strike). Study rooms are also available and can be reserved through the app Dibs®. The Information Help desk is also available if you have questions or need to borrow or return a book.

Pros:

  • Accessible computers
  • Cafe Scribe and vending machines
  • Discovery Pavilion with Smart Board

Cons:

  • Bustling environment (can be too bustling for those needing absolute quiet)
  • Scheduling study rooms

The second floor

Did you know that the second floor of the library was decorated to resemble Seaside Park? So, if you’re looking for that outdoorsy feeling – especially in the dead of winter – the second floor might be the place for you!

Home to the Heckman Center — a one-stop-shop for all your academic and support service needs—it is a spacious floor with study seating and resources for students. The floor also has highchairs, picnic tables, and group lounge seating. Study rooms are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Students walking through the second floor of Wahlstrom Library.

Pros:

  • Bright, spacious atmosphere
  • More accessible study rooms

Cons:

  • Fluorescent lighting
  • High-traffic floor

The third floor

Wahlstrom’s third floor is where you’ll find UB’s large collection of books, along with free-to-use desktops or tables in almost every corner.

Furthermore, this floor features the perfect long tables for big study groups. The lounge seating faces large glass windows for a boost of sunlight, and if you need any assistance, the librarians are always there to help.

Students collaborating at a large table on the third floor of Wahlstrom Library.

Pros:

  • Large tables
  • Warm, natural lighting

Cons:

  • Spaces fill up fast
  • Printer may be out of order

The fourth floor

I can’t say much about the fourth floor of Wahlstrom — talking is prohibited! So, let’s explore it with a hushed tone.

The fourth floor’s rules require students to study solo, making it the easiest place to focus and the best option for students who get overstimulated by their surroundings.

The floor is home to an anatomy room geared to help students in health and science majors. There’s also a testing room where you can schedule appointments for lockdown browser tests.

Bookshelves at Wahlstrom Library.

Pros:

  • Focused environment
  • Study rooms

Cons:

  • Silence (and I mean it!)
  • Spaces fill up fast

No matter your studying style or preferences, the Wahlstrom Library has a special location just for you. Find your happy space and get learning!

 

About the writer:

Since the age of 12, Yemarah Dallas has been writing personal narratives, poems, and stories. She is also passionate about books, fashion, movies, and creativity. She is currently a student at University of Bridgeport pursuing a bachelor’s in English and Professional Writing.