“The quiet study area is good for my concentration”

This week, University College Utrecht has a mid-term break. This, however, does not mean that all students have left the campus. Thursday morning we had a chat with Marco Quille, a second-year Politics and Law major, who was studying in the newly refurbished Quiet Area. 

Marco was far from the only one in the Voltaire building’s Quiet Area that morning. In fact, quite a few students stay to prepare for their upcoming presentations and papers, and as the Quiet Area is open 24/7 for students, also during holidays, it is an easy choice.

Marco, how come you are not on holiday?

I first thought of going home to Brussels, but then I realized that I have quite a few presentations and papers coming up and decided to stay on campus and focus on my assignments instead. At the moment I am working on my next week’s presentation for my Politics class. It’s quite a lot we have to do.

Why did you choose to come to the quiet area, instead of studying in your room?

Well, I have a nice room, but I don’t want to spend too much time there. I prefer to be in places where there are other people as well. And the Quiet Area is a nice place to study, good for my concentration.

How much time do you spend here on an average week during the semester?

Around three to four hours a day, before and after class. 

Do you then have time for social activities as well?

Yes, of course I do. There is so much going on here. Last year I was one of the coordinators of the students' dance committee DanceCo and organised their final performance, but this year I just socialize with my friends in the evenings.

You are in your second year now. Do you have an idea of what you want to do after graduating next year?

Actually I do. I am planning to do a Performing Arts study in the United Kingdom. I wanted to have a Liberal Arts and Sciences bachelor first, also as something to fall back on.

Do you have experience with theatre?

Yes, in Brussels during my secondary school years, I was in an Italian theatre company  for about four years. That is the direction that attracts me most.

Lastly, what do you think of the new look of the Quiet Area?

It looks really smart, and I think it is very well thought. You have a choice of different kinds of study spots, and it is always really calm here.