I've been studying in the study lounge at the National library for the past three days, and I'm proud to say that I've learnt the tactics to ensuring you get the seat that you want! This guide is for those who want to arrive promptly at around 8:45am, and not like go there at 8:30am and wait like an idiot.
Let me teach you!
Firstly, when you arrive, a whole lot of people would be seated at the little entrance way in front of the door. They'd give you that sneaky look thing, and you just pretend you don't notice them. So you're standing there, awaiting 9am for the lounge to be opened. In the meantime, make small talk with your friend who's accompanying you (like, your study buddy). Appear totally calm and collected and all, occasionally checking your watch or handphone for the time, but keep in mind to plot your moves to get ahead of everyone else in this queue. And also, don't forget to get a Plan B, in case you fail later on. Brief your study buddy(if you actually have one, lah) on all these strategies and then keep a look out.
By now, you should be mentally prepared (about which route to take) and your mind should be alert because about 5 minutes before 9am, all it takes is ONE asshole sitting down to stand up, and the whole lot of them all will stand. This, I'm telling you, is the most crucial part of ensuring a seat for yourself and your friend(s). How far you get in this queue will determine how much time you get to move to your desired place when the door opens.
Jostle with the crowd and squeeze through the path that you planned earlier on at this point and just make sure that you are one step ahead of that girl with the big bag beside you. You don't want her to push you out of this queue. A wiser option would be to stay on the right hand side of the queue, because the right door of the study lounge opens first, and thats where you wanna get to to get in.
If your study buddy is with you, do not allow your friend to stand beside you. Instead, ask him or her to stand behind you (so like, he or she can push you from behind to give you that extra step ahead, lol). Also, another tip is to focus and devote your entire concentration on this thing. You do not want to be a loser, and you know you need the space to study till late today. So, it is advised to refrain from talking to anyone, even sms-ing on the phone. I noticed today that the three guys joking away beside me did not get a single seat at all! And there were three of them!
By this time, the security guard would unlock the door and a bottle neck would occur 'cos of the entrance way. Do not get pushed out, follow the guy in front of you closely (Haha.. like until I stepped onto his shoes this morning) Once you enter those doors, walk swiftly with big steps and don't ever stop. For me, I choose to advance towards the far end window seats because those are my favourite, and plus, those silly shits don't ever walk there first. The window seats in the corner are the best for me 'cos hardly anyone walks down the aisle (because it's a corner) and you can't really be distracted by the vending machine here! Don't run, 'cos you might fall, and you might also look like an ugly Singaporean.
Once you reach the table of choice, dump your bag on the table immediately without fail. If you're choping for a friend or two (or that study buddy who's taking his or her own sweet time to saunter up to you), then do not forget to leave some of your belongings lying around first. You do not want to lose the seat that rightfully belongs to you!
Then, sit down, take a deep breath, look around and laugh at those idiots who came at 8:30am and yet didn't manage to secure a seat. And then thank Andre and appreciate him for providing you with this useful and essential guide!
Hope this brightens up your dull study-filled days. Study well, and study smart!
