UK Universities and Reading Week

One of the academic differences between UK and American universities is the concept of reading week. At GW and most other American schools, students are typically given a week prior to finals to study or to make up classes. During this time almost everyone is furiously at work and the Gelman library is constantly backed...I know of individuals who'd practically move out of their entire dorm and live in a Gelman study room--it's THAT intense. Many UK universities also have a reading week that allows students to catch up on work and to study; however, it's not placed at the end of the term, rather it occurs in the middle. I do enjoy having a week in the middle of term to study as it helps pace the work better than cramming everything in the end. Now one would wonder if a study period actually occurs before finals. Well, it certainty does! Students actually have a 5 week preparation study period before exams, which is clearly needed. Though many people may study at this time, others who've paced and studied throughout the term may decide to leisurely travel throughout Europe. Unfortunately, I was not motivated to study throughout the term and am forced to study the entire time, except for one week where I'll be traveling to Egypt with a group of friends.

A typical picture of LSE library. Though the spiral stairwell is aesthetically appealing, it is quite functionality  inefficient.

Credit: snb03277 Flicker

Serena