It’s finals time again at Biola. The weather is cold, classes are ending, Christmas is in sight, and the most difficult tests and papers of the year are looming ahead. As each student prepares him or herself for the bumpy road ahead, it’s nice to find some peace in the chaos and get the chance to focus on studying and writing.

Sure, your own room is always available to study in, but it gets boring pretty quick, and roommates can get distracting. Who wants to stay in their room all day when there are plenty of places to go for a much more interesting time that can make even studying enjoyable.

Here, for your consideration are some prime study places in and around Biola, the pros and cons of each and some ideas for a fun study break to get rid of your boredom, nerves and worry. Good luck!

1. Common Grounds

Pros: It’s on Biola’s campus, so you can head right from there to your next class with no delay. Great for last minute cramming. If you still have flex points, you can use them to buy a drink to help comfort yourself during your studying.

Cons: Like most days during the semester and especially during finals, Common Grounds will be packed with people. Long lines, no free tables and lots of noise. Bring headphones!

Study Break: Find the most comfortable chair in the place and people watch. Stare at anyone who passes by. More likely than not, they won’t even notice and you’ll probably see some funny things.

2. Veronese Gallery Café in Fullerton

Pros: This converted house and garden off Commonwealth Ave. serves amazing drinks and food in a relaxing and unique atmosphere. There are plenty of interesting places to study and talk to anyone who comes along with you.

Cons: It might get too cold to sit outside in most of the places. Luckily there blankets to keep you warm.

Study Break: Walk around the café and explore the garden and house, with quirky places to relax and interesting art on display. It’s a nice way to get lost in a small area and forget your worries.

3. The Grand Californian in Downtown Disney

Pros: The first floor lobby has a great atmosphere for studying with a working fireplace, extremely comfortable chairs and a live pianist. Plus, it’s right by Disneyland. You can’t beat that location.

Cons: You might have the urge to run off to the Happiest Place on Earth and forget about all of your tests and papers.

Study Break: Head over to Disneyland or California Adventure for a ride or two. Take a group to study and take shifts in going on rides and staying in the hotel to study and watch backpacks and computers.

4. The Library

Pros: A guaranteed quiet environment with plenty of resources nearby, and it is easily accessible. The library will be starting its extra hours soon to let you study even longer indoors.

Cons: The library can get very boring very quickly. Also, finals time means an incredibly crowded library. It might take quite a while before you can find a place to sit down and study if you go at the wrong time.

Study Break: Find the oldest book you can in the basement. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, run through one of the movable bookshelf halls as a friend wheels it closed. You’ll feel like Indiana Jones and be prepared to take on any test that comes your way.

5. Parks in La Mirada

Pros: Get a breath of fresh air while you study and get a taste of nature while you prepare for finals.

Cons: Possible rain, wet grass, mud, cold weather and noisy ducks that can distract you from your studies.

Study Break: Take a relaxing walk around the park or cloud gaze. For the more athletic types, play a game of disc golf, jog or play handball.

6. Panera

Pros: Free Internet lets you access whatever online assignments you might need without having to go back to Biola. Great food, drinks and desserts will keep you happy and filled while you get ready for your next exam.

Cons: Closes early some days of the week.

Study Break: If you’re looking for an extra long break, head over to the La Mirada Dollar Movies 7 and treat yourself to a cheap movie. You probably deserve it for all the studying you’ve done.

8. Bed

Pros: Never have to leave the room. No needless strenuous activity like walking so you can reserve all energy for studying.

Cons: Runs the risk of involuntarily falling asleep during your studies.

Study Break: Voluntarily take a power nap to recharge for the rest of your all-nighter. Watch an episode of your favorite television show on you laptop, all in the comfort of your own bed!