Where are the best places to study on campus? Whether you prefer studying at the library or in your dorm, alone or with friends, with music or in silence, this top ten list has something for everyone. So the next time you sit down to review class notes or work on an assignment, you might want to try one of these new spaces that could increase your productivity and focus.
According to recent studies on best study environments and practices, there are several key factors that go into setting you up for optimal studying. Of those factors, the type of environment that you choose can have a major impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of your study time. From lighting (whether in hue or brightness), level of comfort, how organized the space is, noise (volume and type) or the level of distraction, students may experience different ranges of study effectiveness. Building from these factors, we’ve put together a list of criteria to rank the best locations around campus for achieving your best study.
Below you’ll find a list of our top picks to study based on the following five criteria:
Accessibility
While the campus may have many places to work or study, not all are accessible to the full student body, and even the perception of physical barriers will prevent students from utilizing a particular environment to study (ex., too far to access by walking).
Availability
The hours of operation of buildings vary greatly across campus, so students may need to locate multiple spaces to study.
Noise level
The level of noise in an environment plays a major role in study effectiveness. Though it may seem obvious that noise negatively impacts studying outcomes, it really depends on the nature of the noise and the type of learner. For students who struggle with anxiety or ADHD, having background sounds such as light conversations as you would typically find in a coffee shop actually helps them to focus because it meets the social need or security to be near people, not in isolation. Further, there are several studies that also note how listening to music can actually increase focus. However, not all students work well in these settings, which is why many opt for noise-canceling headsets or their own beats to listen to.
Variety of resources
Not all students are alike or attending in the same circumstances, so having other resources readily available to reduce time on their tasks (meals, beverages, etc.) can be critical to the effective use of time.
Individual and collaborative options
Researchers also suggest having multiple environments to match the type of studying you need to do. For example, are you working on a project that requires discussion, brainstorming, collaboration? A quiet, closed setting is not ideal, but an open space that encourages conversation would be best. Preparing for an exam? Selecting an environment with daylight lighting, furniture which supports good posture, and minimal distractions will be more effective.
Here is our list of study spaces based on the above criteria, ranked by category:
1. Carlson Library – Main Campus
Carlson library was renovated in more recent years to best accommodate the needs of students across a wide range of learners and backgrounds. With different floor plans on each floor, it is designed to provide the most variety of study environments and resources on campus. The coffee shop and exercise equipment provide other supplemental benefits to staying productive, combining students’ needs into one large hub.
Key factors in order of effectiveness: accessibility, availability, resources, noise level and study configuration options.
2. Mulford Library – Health Science campus
Mulford Library, similar to Carlson Library on main campus, offers multiple floors of a variety of seating arrangements for group and individual study. However, one of its outstanding features is not the space itself but its hours of operation. The building is open 7 am-midnight, seven days a week, and is the only space that offers those hours to the full campus population. Newly renovated, it also contains a cafe, large lounge areas and food options for quick refreshments.
Key factors in order of effectiveness: availability, accessibility, noise level, study configuration options, and resources.
3. Student Union Commuter Lounge
The commuter lounge is another top choice on the main campus. It offers large booths for studying, lockers for temporary storage, a couch to stretch out for a break or reading and even a lightly stocked kitchenette so you can have a quick meal between. The space is both comfortable and convenient without distractions. These resources help reduce time away from studying and the building hours are generally long, shortening on the weekends.
Key factors in order of effectiveness: accessibility, availability, resources, study configuration options, and noise level.
4. Student Union – Main Lounge
The third-floor main lounge also offers great study spaces for individual or group study. Just beyond the theater in the center of the third floor, you’ll find a large lounge with modular seating to adjust to whatever group size and needs.
Key factors in order of effectiveness: accessibility, availability, study configuration options, noise level, and resources.
5. Student Union – First-floor lobby (across from Chick-fil-A)
This open space offers a variety of seating layouts for individual or group study and follows the same hours of operation as the commuter lounge and third-floor lounge.
Key factors in order of effectiveness: accessibility, availability, study configuration options, noise level, and resources.
6. Memorial Field House
Field House, another building renovated in recent years, offers large open space lounge areas for individual and group studying. If you’re looking for something with less distraction, it also has several study nooks situated across from department offices, so you can get some study time in while waiting for appointments with faculty. It also provides other resources with its computer labs.
Key factors in order of effectiveness: accessibility, availability, study configuration options, noise level, and resources.
7. Law Center
This building has an open study area at the center of the first floor as well several study nooks throughout the first and second floors for individual and group study. It is one of the quietest buildings on campus with hours that extend later than other academic buildings on the main campus.
Key factors in order of effectiveness: accessibility, availability, noise level, study configuration options, and resources.
8. Parks Tower
Parks Tower provides its residents with study space options, a lounge area with long tables and open study spaces for individual and group studying. Residents have full access to these spaces, with quiet hours beginning at 11pm for those working late.
Key factors in order of effectiveness: availability, study configuration options, noise level, accessibility, and resources.
9. North Engineering Lounge
Conveniently located next to the multi-floor ramp in North Engineering, this lounge offers students a variety of great study area options for group and individual studying..
Key factors in order of effectiveness: availability, study configuration options, noise level, accessibility, and resources.
10. College of Business Alumni Affiliate Study Room
For students of the College of Business, there are coves throughout the building and a study room on the third floor.
Key factors in order of effectiveness: study configuration options, noise level, accessibility, resources, and availability.
Finally, if you’re still looking for a good space to try, you don’t have to go far — you can also create your own! Whether you’re a commuter student or an on-campus resident, here are some tips for creating the best space for your study needs. Keep your environment bright by opting for cooler-toned lighting. Go for furniture that supports good posture but is comfortable enough for use during long study sessions. Keep your space clean and organized to reduce distractions and boost mood. Reduce sound; some people can focus with background noise, but be mindful of music choices that distract. While these tips alone may not guarantee academic success, they will help prepare you for an overall productive study experience. And, as always, you can hang out with Juice House for a productive and healthy study session!
This article was updated on 4/12/2023.
