Studying is a fundamental part of any college student’s life. Finding locations where students can focus, learn, or practice their skills is important.
While seasons change, spots also may change. While many have designated spots that they frequent, there are Delta students who don’t know where they can go to find peace and quiet. Having multiple choices for study spots is important to reduce stress, increase productivity, and reduce distractions rain or shine, students have work due.
Luis Torres, 18, and Jacob Neloms, 18, often enjoy studying outside with fresh air to help themselves focus but also enjoy other spots to do their work.
“The study spots I go to are outdoors like this spot [brick barrier around trees in between Danner and Forum Hall], the library and Danner Hall,” said Torres.
While studying with Torres, Neloms agreed with Torres’ takes on the best spots.
“I usually study in the classrooms of the classes I’m taking,” said Neloms.
Araceli Arias, 18, would rather be outside studying than inside because she enjoys the fresh air. She said she enjoys focusing on her coursework underneath where the second floor overhangs Budd or Locke buildings.
“I’m typically under Locke on the benches but I also come here under Budd and study at this spot (benches by Budd),” said Arias.
Students like Abigail Lujan, 24, and Dangelo Louis, 18, both enjoy the quiet of the Goleman Library, but said that it can be very busy at times, with few spots to study.
Business Major DeAdrian Moore, 19, said he enjoys spending time studying on the table on the second floor of Holt Building or in his music classes.
While students here at San Joaquin Delta College find their own spots to focus their minds, the need for more indoor locations especially during these weather changes and cold fast approaching.
Many indoor spots are needed because indoor locations like Goleman Library are packed with few spots to go to and will only get busier as it gets colder outside, while Danner Hall can be very loud and hard to focus because of the people eating or playing video games.
Locke Lounge is a potential study space, but it is not currently open to student use.
Delta College Director of Marketing and Communications Alex Breitler confirmed that Locke Lounge remained closed to student use, but noted locations for other possible indoor study locations.
“Currently, Locke Lounge is being used to host events, and the space has to be reserved through our usual process. So you are correct, it’s not currently available as a drop-in study space,” said Breitler.
Breitler said there are other possible other indoor spaces that are free to use by all students without being a part of said programs like the tutoring centers, the Dreamers Success Center, and the EPIC Center.
LOCKE LOUNGE SPACE
In Fall 2024, a movement was held to reopen Locke Lounge in order to go back to student use. The movement was hosted by ASDC and called “Land Back, Locke Back.”
This movement was held November 21, 2024, with ASDC Senator of Activities Annum Khan sending emails of said event.
“In honor of the Land Back movement and in acknowledgment of the Indigenous land we occupy, we are hosting this event to celebrate and support Indigenous sovereignty. We are uplifting the stories and struggles of this Indigenous movement to return Indigenous lands to Indigenous hands. In commemoration, we are also advocating for Locke Lounge to be reopened for student use, creating a space that fosters community and connection on campus,” said Khan.
In February 2025, a letter of support was written by Academic Senate President Becky Plaza. Plaza was in support of having the space be used again by students and gave solutions for cost concerns.
“One is asking for volunteers from current employees to hold office hours in Locke Lounge. A number of faculty have already spoken with me about volunteering. Another option could be returning the revenue from The Market to ASDC, giving them a more reliable income stream from which to pay for Locke Lounge staffing,” said Plaza.
It was told to students that Locke Lounge would go back to student use but no action has been taken to make that happen yet.
Outdoor Study Spots
- Science & Math Building concrete tables
- Benches in middle of quad
- Canopy by Forum Hall next to Locke
- Concrete benches by Bookstore
- Benches by Budd
- Benches by Locke
- Concrete Table by Locke Lounge entrance
- Koi pond steps
- Garden by back entrance of DeRicco Student Services
Indoor Study Spots
- Goleman Library or in study rooms you can reserve
- Danner Hall
- Tables at DeRicco Student Services Building entrance
- In classrooms of courses you are taking during Professors’ Office Hours
- Dreamers Success Center
- EPIC Center
- Tutor Center
- The Zone (Athletes only)
