The Eastern Illinois University Academic Support Center has transformed room 1611 in McAfee Gym into a public study lounge.  

Renovated over the summer, the lounge is open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays. The goal for the space is to create a comfortable environment for students, said Certified Peer Educator Allison Nichols. 

“The main goal right now is to get the word out that a new study lounge is on campus,” Nichols said. 

Previously, students would have their meetings with peer educators in the Gregg Technology Center. Now, the new space in McAfee is considered a mixture of both a peer educator meeting place and the technology center, according to Nichols.  

New furniture, free supplies and snacks have been added to make the new lounge more acceptable and comfortable for everyone. 

The new study lounge is also close to a number of resources, said Nichols. 

“What makes the space so valuable is that we are also by the campus pantry and academic advisors,” she said. “For our department, it is the most central spot we have ever had.” 

Nichols also said that a new first-generation student hub will open in room 2611 in McAfee Gym on Nov. 7.  

Junior biochemistry major Jayla Singleton takes advantage of places to study on campus, namely those in Booth Library, as they provide a new space for her to “stay in the game.” 

“That quiet, productive connotation that library studying entails encourages me to live up to the expectations of making progress,” Singleton said. “Also, the calm atmosphere there helps me organize my thoughts, which makes progress more attainable than doing homework elsewhere.” 

Similarly, junior computer and information technology major Didi Okolie enjoys studying in the career lounge in the Human Services building because it helps her to stay focused. 

“The career lounge provides so much that it contributes to the general welcoming and peaceful nature of the environment,” Okolie said. “The lounge is also well decorated, which adds to the general nice feel of the place and helps me relax and focus better.” 

Certified peer educators, such as Nichols, are tasked with providing students with different types of study habits, like using flashcards or studying with a group.  

“Obviously not everyone has the same study habits,” said Nichols. “If a student comes in and asks us for help, we’re very glad to help them by showing them different types of studying and guide them through it.” 

This type of student support can be very useful for those who are balancing many responsibilities, such as sophomore psychology major Eliza Raja, who is also a fitness instructor at the Student Recreation Center. 

“I do my best to balance fitness and academics since they both are important to me, though there are times when it gets hard to keep up with,” Raja said. “I still make sure to be nice to myself throughout all my phases by celebrating my wins and growing from my losses.”

Koria Downs can be reached at 581-2812 or at kdowns@eiu.edu.