Ben Wygant's favorite study spot, next to a fireplace at Irving's Bagels on College Avenue, had an unusual way of helping him stay optimistic during finals week.

"In the midst of the stress and frustration of finals week, I could always look into the fireplace and remember that things could be worse. ... I could be on fire," Wygant, Class of 2006, said.

During finals week, campus is booming with places to drink caffeine, pass out and, occasionally, study, but most students seem to prefer quiet places such as the Paterno and Pattee libraries.

Colleen Sampson (freshman-English) said she prefers studying in the library's stacks, where the atmosphere is quiet and the windows bring in lots of light.

Some students said they prefer studying near other students who share their interests.

"Being surrounded by people playing music is relaxing and helps me concentrate and also provides me with an activity to do when I need a break from studying," Jared Judge (sophomore-music education) said of Music Building I and II.

Ashley Ross (freshman-film and video), a member of the Penn State women's lacrosse team, does all her studying in the East Area Locker Room Building, where athletes have study hall.

"I like the atmosphere there because even if I'm not really that motivated to do work when I first get there, everyone around me is, and that usually rubs off on me," Ross said. "I end up getting a lot of stuff done."

The HUB-Robeson Center is a popular location for disciplined workers. The location offers many areas for quiet study on the upper floors, but some students prefer the first-floor tables because of their proximity to Panda Express and Sbarro.

"When you get real hungry, there's sushi right there," Kay Lee (sophomore-biobehavioral health) said.

If students decide dull places such as the library and computer labs are not optimal locations, they can resign to studying in their room, a tactic deemed popular among some underclassmen.

"Dorm rooms can be even more distracting than places like the HUB because you are surrounded by so many other things you could do for enjoyment, but that's where self-discipline comes in," Laura Shupp (freshman-international politics and economics) said.

The temptation of online activities such as Facebook can sometimes be a burden on hard-working, yet unmotivated students.

If the urge strikes, it might be time to move to a location without a computer, like Hammond Building, Davey Laboratory or a downtown coffeehouse like Starbucks.

The Abba Java Coffee House, 256 E. College Ave., offers free Wi-Fi, food, drinks and couches, Krista Spielmann (junior-animal bioscience) said.

"It is a great time to just come, relax, and have some fun while studying," Spielmann said.