A Place To Call Home

With Jackson being the home of Tougaloo College, Jackson State Univeristy, University of MS Medical Center, Belhaven College, and Milsaps College, you'd think you wouldn't be able to swing a dead cat without hitting eight to ten suitable places to study. Wrong. Let's review...

UMC Library- You could cut the stress in the air with a knife. Even if you feel good about an upcoming exam, the panic is infectious. Plus, distractions (or maybe just irritation) abound when you're surrounded by the same people you've been around for the last two years day in and day out.

Barnes & Nobles, County Line Road- Acceptable. Not the best coffee, but the acoustics allowed for less irritation toward the non-studying patrons. Plus, large tables and electric outlets were more numerous than fleas on a junkyard dog. Unfortunately, closed for business.

Willie Morris Public Library- Minus the occasional deaf geriatric screaming at the clerks trying to get his/her library card replaced, overall very peaceful. Coffee is available, although it might be drink at your own risk. Downside, the place has converted to the way of the Amish and closes when the sun goes down.

Starbucks- Not a single table with a radius larger than 12" and even these have cushy chairs that aren't suitable for causing pressure ulcers while studying. The pain reminds you that you're alive, and you need to keep studying.

Cups- Good coffee, best in the city if you ask me. Small though with terrible acoustics, anyone's business is now your business. Also, they only upgraded to the 20" table to get a small one-up on Starbucks. The rumor is there is a secret "library" perfect for studying hidden away in the back, but I'm pretty sure there are more people camped out waiting than for the premier of Star Wars Episode I.

Barnes & Nobles, Renaissance Colony- This new location does not even compare to its former glory. Although the cafe area is larger, the promise of Cheesecake factory treats can not overcome the fact that all the tables are two-seaters and there is only one electrical outlet in sight, which, ironically, isn't even near one of the tables. The few larger, "study" tables scattered throughout the store are electrical islands, unless you bring a 100'+ extension cord.

Borders- Adequately sized tables are usually easy to come by, although only one offers the promise of electricity. But, be sure to get there early, this is a haven for junior high kids drinking Javakulas with extra whipped cream while waiting for Mom to come pick them up and Tuesday night knitting club. Also, the staff (not deserving of the title "barista") are prone to think the world is their stage and their shift is an 8hour comedy show for the patrons enjoyment.