Surviving Exam Season at the McClay Library: A Student Guide

By Ellen Lundy

As the final semester draws to a close and exam season looms, students at the McClay Library brace themselves for the inevitable chaos. From the frantic search for a seat to the occasional stress-induced meltdown, navigating the McClay during this treacherous time requires a subtle blend of resilience, resourcefulness, and – albeit difficult – a sense of humour. Here’s what one might expect to find in the McClay when exam season is in full swing:

• No seats: The quest for a study spot becomes akin to a game of musical chairs, except the music never stops, and the chairs are in perpetually short supply. Expect to witness the “seat reservation” phenomenon – a mere pen left as a placeholder for hours on end, despite its owner being conspicuously absent.
• The shed of tears: Exam stress reaches its peak, resulting in tears flowing as freely as the scribbled ink of last-minute revision notes. Whether it’s a minor breakdown over a particularly challenging topic or a full-blown emotional release, crying is an accepted part of the McClay experience.
• Chatter aplenty: Amidst the silent hum of diligent students, there’s the occasional disruption from first-year newcomers who treat the library as more of a social hub than a study space. Their prioritisation of a Thursday night at BABBA over their impending exams pale in comparison to the burden of final-year papers that define a future.
• Day-drinking distractions: As you bury yourself in textbooks, the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses drift in from nearby Botanic Garden, where carefree souls indulge in midday revelry. You can’t help but envy their freedom from the relentless grind of academia.
• Stress contagion: If you haven’t already succumbed to exam-induced panic, the sight of bloodshot eyes mixed with the aroma of triple-shot Americanos from the Hope Cafe will swiftly bring it on. Stress becomes as contagious as the common cold, spreading through the McClay like wildfire.
• Study room scramble: The battle for coveted study rooms escalates into a full-blown competition reminiscent of the Great War (or acquiring Taylor Swift tickets). Booking these rooms becomes a strategic manoeuvre, requiring lightning-fast reflexes and a bit of luck to secure a coveted spot.

Despite the challenges and chaos of exam season at the McClay Library, there’s a sense of camaraderie among students, united in their struggle. As you navigate the sea of textbooks and caffeine-fuelled study sessions, remember that you’re not alone. So, take a deep breath, grab another coffee, and soldier on—victory awaits on the other side of those final exams.

Edited by Abbie Vauls