Any GW student who has ever wandered around Gelman Library’s upper floors looking for quiet study space has most likely come upon the small offices lining the fourth and fifth floors. The rooms, which seem to always be unoccupied and always locked, are tempting to many students because of the peace and privacy they offer.

Most undergrads are seemingly unaware of the uses of the individual offices and due to the rooms’ dark lights and closed doors the areas often look abandoned. In reality though, they are in high demand. The rooms are officially called Closed Study Carrels and are available only to GW doctoral candidates either writing their dissertations or preparing for their exams. Because each eligible student is allowed between one to two years of personal use of the rooms, there is a slow circulation and therefore, an extensive waiting list for the use of each carrel.

To apply for a Study Carrel each student must fill out an application and be prepared to pay the 25 dollar, per-semester fee. But the library is very strict about who can use them and undergraduates are not eligible.