Hopkins lore says that MSE's unusual architecture is the result of a campus-wide edict that no building be taller than the University's original building, Gilman Hall. As a result, so the story goes, the first two levels are above ground and the rest are underground with alleged natural light. Another version of the story claims the bricks were so expensive, the University could only afford to build a few levels above ground. I've been on a lot of campus tours, and I'm still not sure which version is true.
I like to think the design was meant to resemble Dante's inferno; however, as Hopkins overachievers, we skipped circles one through five and went right onto six, seven, eight and nine.
I kid, somewhat. You won't have to walk across deserts of burning sand or freeze up to your neck in a lake of ice, but you'll probably be at least a little bit miserable whenever you're within a 50 foot radius of MSE. Just how miserable you are is directly dependent on how much work you have and how soon it's due.
Group presentation by next Friday? Main Level, also known as M-level is really a great place for slackers. Some reading for later in the week? A-level. Your midterm paper that you've had all semester which you've nevertheless left until two days before? You will quickly discover the magic of D-level.
You will soon learn that you can also judge a person by where they generally work in MSE. I'm pretty neurotic, so I'm almost always on D-level. Most people prefer a more lighthearted atmosphere, such as A- or B-level, where talking is technically allowed.
Study rooms are also available on a first come, first serve basis. They're great for review sessions before exams, but they tend to fill up quickly.
MSE houses over 2.6 million volumes. You will most likely have a difficult time finding the particular volume you're looking for among these millions of books; however, don't worry, the library has friendly people who will help you, as well as specialized research consultations available in every discipline.
In addition to actual books, Hopkins has subscriptions to hundreds of online databases that you can search by keyword or subject. These are a lifesaver; no matter what you are researching, you will be able to find a host of relevant articles on these databases.
If Video Americain is too Frenchified and art-house snooty for you, you should also get to know the library's AV section, located on A-level. They do have popular, up-to-date DVDs, as well as the sorts of offbeat, academic films you'd expect a proper AV section to have. DVDs can be checked out for a 3 day loan or you can watch items on a closed circulation in the AV center as they have TVs and headsets available. And when all that studying has gone to your head, you can head to Cafe Q, on Q-level, for a hit or two of caffeine.
For all the suffering associated with it, MSE has its charm: the 60s/70s institutional decor; the well-lit atrium; the view of Gilman Hall and the Upper Quad; the sticky, clammy air; the equally-unflattering-on-everyone fluorescent lighting -- you might almost spend time there voluntarily.
