考试季来临,引发"座位荒"

As the deadlines for midterm papers and postgraduate entrance exams draw closer, seats in campus libraries and classrooms are a scarce commodity.
期中论文大限将至，考研也迫在眉睫，校园里图书馆和自习室可谓一座难求。

Competition for seats is making quite a few students’ heads spin. The Chinese media reported that university students in Wuhan even put up tents outside libraries in order to line up for places.
占座令相当一部分学生感到头疼。国内媒体此前报道称，在武汉，许多大学生甚至在图书馆外支起帐篷，排队等位。

An increasing number of college students are looking for alternatives. They are exploring new frontiers by turning dining halls, snack bars, cafes, and even meadows into their personal studies.
越来越多的大学生正在另辟蹊径。他们把食堂、快餐店、咖啡馆、甚至草坪都开辟为自习区。

Gong Yuhui, 18, a finance engineering major at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), likes to study at the Sculpting in Time cafe near her campus. Sharing a pot of lavender tea and, occasionally, a piece of cake, she and her friends often spend entire afternoons or evenings there.
18岁的龚玉辉（音译）就读于对外经贸大学金融工程专业，她喜欢在学校附近的雕刻时光咖啡馆自习。点上一壶薰衣草茶，偶尔来块蛋糕，她和朋友们常常会在那里看上一整个下午或整晚的书。

“I’m preparing for the Licensing Examination for Security Intermediaries,” the sophomore said. “Reviewing lessons in dorms was so stressful. My roommates went to sleep early, so I had to turn off all the main lights in order not to disturb them. The desk light was dim, and I had to be careful to avoid making any noise.”
现在读大二的她说：“我正在准备证券从业资格考试。在宿舍复习功课很有压力。我的室友习惯早睡，为了不打扰她们，我需要关掉所有的大灯。而台灯光线很暗，我要小心翼翼，以免弄出一点响声。”

However, the laid-back atmosphere and soothing music in cafes help her focus. More importantly, she can discuss any questions with her friends.
而在咖啡馆中，轻松的氛围，舒缓的音乐，有助于她集中精神。更重要的是，她可以随心所欲地和朋友讨论问题。

“In a library or classroom I have to refrain from asking questions and show consideration toward others.”
“在图书馆或自习室里看书，为了考虑他人的感受，我不得不克制自己的求知欲。”

Besides cafes and cake shops, students often opt to study in the open air.
除了咖啡馆和蛋糕店之外，学生们还经常在户外上自习。

Ma Shuangshuang, a freshman at China University of Political Science and Law, reviews her legal material on the stone benches in the campus’ garden, despite the fact that her attention might be distracted by passersby.
中国政法大学大一学生马霜霜（音译）就喜欢坐在学校花园里的石凳上复习法律资料，尽管有时她的注意力或许会被路人打扰。

“The campus is located in the Changping suburb of Beijing, where the fresh air and clear sky nourish my mind,” said Ma, who sometimes lies on the grass while reading.
马霜霜说：“我们的校区位于北京市郊昌平，这里天空晴朗，空气清新，让人精神振奋。”她有时会躺在草坪上看书。