5 Strange Places to Study at Whitman

I once joked to a few of my friends that I was going to start studying in increasingly chaotic places. As it turns out, I might have overcommitted to the bit because I’ve begun to thoroughly enjoy studying in odd places. If you also delight in lightly confusing those around you, here are 5 weird places to study on Whitman’s campus.

1. In a Tree

With our 1:1 student-to-tree ratio, it’s not hard to find a good climbing tree. As long as you’re careful, a sturdy branch can make the perfect perch to knock out any assigned readings.

2. In the Middle of Lakum Duckum

Lakum Duckum is the main duck pond on campus. While I have yet to try this one out, the pond has several large rocks perfect for lounging on while practicing Spanish with los patos (the ducks). 

3. In the Clock Tower

I’ll be honest, this one is completely theoretical. I have no idea if it’s even possible to get into the clock tower. When you consider the added obstacle of the legendary Clock Tower Man, a cryptid who–according to Whitman students–resides in the tower, I’m not sure if it’s actually a viable study spot. However, I maintain it would be a great place to study. Who knows, maybe the clock tower man is just a Whittie with a lot of economics homework.

4. In Any of the Closets in North Hall

North Hall is undeniably one of the most interesting residence halls on campus–it used to be the Walla Walla General Hospital. It’s filled with odd nooks and crannies where a curious scholar (or ghost hunter) can tuck themselves away for a while.

5. On a Statue (Particularly Styx)

One of the things I love about Whitman is all of the sculptures are scattered around campus. What I really love, though, is confusing locals walking their dogs with my inexplicable choice to study on top of one of the statues. Climbing Styx is a rite of passage for any Whittie, but the true test comes when you have to balance a laptop on his head. (Do not attempt to balance a laptop on his head, it will not end well.)

I hope to see you all soon, studying in the wackiest places you can find. That’s the best part about doing homework in a strange place, you’re bound to meet someone new!

Zoe Perkins is a first-year from Hillsboro, Oregon. Zoe intends on majoring in Rhetoric, Writing and Public Discourse. Whitman College President Kathy Murray once caught Zoe struggling to climb a tree, and the poor first-year has been embarrassed ever since.