8 GIFs to Illustrate My Silent Study Room Experience

Arts Editor Ricky Freelove appears to be a hard man to please. He’s made a note of a few things that annoy him in the silent study room.

Deadlines have been coming in thick and fast over the past couple of weeks and many of us have been taking to the library to plough through the load. During these past weeks I’ve made a mental note of just a few things which get on my wick and offer my words of wisdom to save yourself from my wrath.

Murmuring

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’ve always had the impression that the silent study rooms were for silent study. You think one subtle conversation would be ok, but when this continues to become a full blown conversation with low, bass-y notes which are more annoying than people talking normally – JUST LEAVE the study room.

Photo Credit: GeneralWarts via Imgur
Having a conversation in the silent study room, defeats the very purpose of the room.

iPods

I, like many people, listen to my iPod whilst working. I don’t like the sound of silence as it exposes many of my pet-hates which will follow this point. But, how on Earth can people listen to Skrillex on full-blast whilst working on an essay? Does the silent study room need the noise of which can only be compared to a Seagull being repeatedly tossed off to fill it? No. No it does not.

Photo Credit: Giphy via Gifbay
Save your eardrums and save me from this tinny torture.

Sniffling

I would personally buy a box of tissues and hand them out to all those plague-ridden students who can’t face the epic 30-metre quest across the library to go and blow their nose. Do you think sniffling is going to stop your runny nose? Because it won’t. After at least 18 years on this planet and you still think sniffling is going to help?

Photo Credit: Giphy via Tumblr
Get a pack of Kleenex and for the love of God, blow your nose outside

Phones on/vibrate

So you’re quite popular aren’t you? You keep getting text messages and your phone bleeps every time. Oh that’s not annoying for you is it? Because you obviously need to know when he’s replied… Can you feel my eyes burning into the side of your head? Good, because that’s me politely telling you to put it on silent. Oh, I see you’ve now put your phone on vibrate. And now it feels and sounds like somebody chain-sawing the table we’re both working on.

Photo Credit: Giphy via Tumblr
Just go outside and call him.

Breathing

Why do people need to breath? I know there’s probably some science behind it, but I couldn’t think of anything more annoying than somebody’s respiratory system fully functioning. Worst yet, when somebody sounds like they are struggling to breath… when they sound like they are on death’s door and maybe taking their last wheezy and raspy breath, over and over again.

Photo Credit: GeneralWarts via Imgur
Either stop breathing altogether or put on a Darth Vader mask and make me laugh.

Cans and Hot beverages

Where I have beef with humanity is with slurpers. I’ve openly told my own father that whenever he is to drink a cup of tea I will leave the house. Slurping is an act which I see as only being punishable by death – preferably by being plunged into a large vat of the same hot beverage which caused me such distress.

Photo Credit: ReactionGifs
If it’s too hot, just wait for it to cool down. You’re not going to be able to catch a 100°C Caramel Latte off guard.

Apples

I’m happy that some students choose the healthier option of fruit to eat whilst working, however in terms of drawing attention to yourself, eating an apple in the silent study room is equal to standing on the table, hitting all the high notes in a Whitney Houston ballad whilst wearing nothing but nipple tassels and then urinating on the floor. Why does anybody think that this is okay?! It’s so obviously not.

Photo Credit: Giphy via Tumblr
Biting into an apple is bad enough, but to all you aggressive and assertive munchers, why don’t you go and eat your apple whilst playing on a motorway?

Crisps

Photo Credit: GeneralWarts via Imgur
Don’t even get me started.

Whilst I’m on this rant, to all you inconsiderate students who, like the Germans on holiday putting down their towels at 6am on sun loungers, think its okay to leave your all of your possession at a work station for the whole day, it’s not. You’re the reason why I have to check all 3 floors of library, which results in me becoming slightly sweaty, and then end up working in the Kitchen Café which is bad for my posture and diet. If I ever catch you chair-bagzying people looking happy, I promise I’ll give you the Whitney treatment in your bedroom.

Ricky Freelove

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Summer Incoming… Time To Get In Shape?

Ioana Minulescu considers getting in shape for the term ahead, sticking to it and making it more appealling…

Summer is on its way, so it’s the perfect time to get in shape right?

Well, this is not the only reason and probably not the most important reason for exercising, but it can help motivate us do so.

Exercising regularly, sleeping enough, and eating right are important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, for feeling good on the inside, and consequently improving our body shape.

I know that sometimes it’s hard to get yourself to exercise, so try these few things to get you started and make working out more pleasant:

Image Credit: Soccersstore

1) Create a good playlist with fun songs that motivate you, or if you’re out of ideas you can always find some online.

2) Meet a friend. If you ask a friend to join, you might be more likely to go for many reasons; you will feel more obligated, you will have someone to talk to, or you will just want your friend to think you’re not that lazy!

3) Try out new things. If you go to the gym regularly, change your workout routine; be creative with your exercises. Or how about trying some new fitness classes? If you don’t know yet where to start with your fitness, take advantage of the many sport societies on campus and see what you enjoy doing.

If you don’t like the idea of going to the gym, there are many other ways to be active while at university, especially in a town like Exeter. As the weather is getting better, why not go for a half hour jog every morning? A great way to start your day, making you feel much better after, with the stress going away for the day. If this doesn’t appeal to you, then, a better way of exercising could be swimming with your friends. If you think you don’t have enough time for this, you can ride a bike to class, or simply walk wherever you go, in case you are used to taking the bus.

Eating healthily is extremely important; it contributes to the way you feel and decreases the likelihood of many conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, or diabetes, just to name a couple.

During the exam period, or if you generally find yourself under stress, you might tend to snack a lot, and mainly on things like crisps, chocolate, or cookies. These might make you feel good for the moment, but when your sugar levels fall back down, you will need to snack again. Alternatively, you can try some of these healthier, but still yummy-tasting snacks:

1) Nut & dried fruit mix. Almonds lower the rise in blood sugar and insulin after meals, lower bad cholesterol, and boost brain activity. Brazilian nuts boost the activity of antioxidants, and also help lower bad cholesterol due to their monounsaturated fats content. The magnesium in cashew nuts protects against muscle spasms, headaches, and soreness. Finally, cranberries are termed as a superfood and have loads of antioxidants, help prevent heart disease, and help improve memory while relieving stress.

2) Fruit smoothies. Fruits contain many vitamins, fibres, and antioxidants. These can be a great replacement for fizzy drinks.

3) Dark chocolate. If you love chocolate like I do, try to switch white or milk chocolate for dark. It improves blood flow, helps control blood sugar level, can help improve cognitive function, and stimulates the release of endorphins (which make you happier).

4) Granola bars. There are a variety of these out there to choose from, but try to avoid the ones with too much sugar, or candy ingredients.

Don’t forget that eating right and exercising make you feel better on the inside, and this will show on the outside as well. Good luck with your exams and training!

Ioana Minulescu