By Chloe Yeung ’28
As fall term end approaches, students find themselves in intense study sessions, shuffling through notecards and textbook pages at alarming speeds. Amidst non-stop cramming, academic performance and quality of work is bound to take a dive. Fortunately, naps, both long and short, can help to rejuvenate students, allowing them to stay sharp in class and present their best work. Here are some of the best napping spots the Choate campus has to offer.
Your Dorm
Most popular among boarders seeking solitude, quiet, and shade, dorms are the perfect place for long naps after a tiring day of classes. Maddie Bloom ’28 described her dorm as a “home away from home,” emphasizing its comfort and personalization. Dorm rooms are customized to fit one’s unique preferences, making it an ideal napping spot. Unfortunately, day students are out of luck with this one!
PMAC Couches
With snug, plush couches, the Paul Mellon Arts Center (PMAC) is a perfect spot for day students in need of a long nap. “It’s very quiet there most of the time, if you go during the day,” Sofia Schmidt ’25 said. Nestled against the tall glass panels, students can restfully bask in the sunlight as they unwind and relax. “It just seems to have a quiet vibe in which you can just relax,” Nile Djata ’28 added. With the many sumptuous sofas, lengthier naps in the PMAC help students — especially musicians and theater aficionados — stay well rested.
The Library’s Quiet Section
Opting for a nap somewhere more convenient? The Library is not only a favorable spot for completing your math homework but is also perfect for mid-study naps. Sectioned off from the Library’s main area, the quiet section ensures privacy and tranquility. “When you are in the quiet section, you can just put on a hoodie and curl into the chair,” Schmidt said. Although mid-study naps may seem counterproductive to some, if you start to see the words of your textbook swimming on the page, a quick doze can help you regain your faculties to ensure that your work is up to par.
Lanphier Cafe Commons
Looking for a quick siesta at the end of the day? Pop into the Lanphier Cafe to grab a tasty snack and curl up in one of the common area’s multitude of cozy chairs. “They are so soft and they are also wide enough to curl up comfortably, and just a perfect spot to take a nap,” Isa Marvin ’26 said. As the school day winds down and others head to their afternoon activities, the area clears out into a clean and comfortable naptime haven.
Third Floor of St. John Hall (The SAC)
The SAC serves as a bustling hub by night and a prime nap spot by day. With a diverse array of seating options (namely couches, plush chairs, stools, study chairs, and more), it is an all-inclusive spot where anyone can find an ideal cushion for a quick snooze.
While there may be some traffic to the School Store and the Tuck Shop on the floors below, the SAC’s third floor is near-silent during the school day. More specifically, “the quiet environment in the third-floor study rooms is a perfect opportunity to get away from the class day,” Maya Salisbury ’26 said.
So, next time you’re feeling swamped with work and facing a growing to-do list, try treating yourself to a nap at one of these cozy locations!
