As the term winds to an end, students here at Lawrence are entering finals week. And in order to end the term with a bang, we need to make sure we can buckle down and focus on all the assignments and tests. For that, we need a quiet place to study. To help you find your productivity nirvana, I have compiled this list of 11 of the best study spots on or near campus. You’re welcome.
1) Unused Classrooms
This may come as a surprise to a lot of students, but students have access to classrooms that are not in use. Using your Lawrence ID, students can access lots of the classrooms throughout campus. This gives you access to white boards, larger tables, and sometimes even computers! That can be especially handy when studying with friends.
2) Science Atrium
Here at Lawrence, there are two building dedicated to the sciences, Youngchild and Steitz Hall. Connecting these two buildings is a spacious and bright atrium on the first floor. This space is equipped with tables, chairs and lots of natural light, perfect for studying on a sunny day.
3) Fourth floor of the Warch Campus Center
The Fourth Floor of the Warch Campus Center is a good choice for all different types of studiers! It is filled with tables, chairs and comfy couches. There are also two meeting rooms that are available to students, and a full computer with a printer. It doesn’t hurt that Warch is where the dining areas are located, so if you get hungry as you study or feel the need for a little snack, food is just steps away.
4) Sabin House
The house with the green doors across from Kohler Hall is a space for students to explore their religious identity. But this quiet meditative space doubles as an inviting space for peaceful, quiet studying. Filled with couches, rolling chairs, and a fully stocked kitchen, Sabin House is the perfect space for students who are more productive in quiet places.
5) Hiett Lounge Rooms
Arguably one of the best dorms on campus, Hiett Hall is filled with spacious lounge rooms (at least one on each floor). All of the lounges are fully furnished with tables and chairs. Best of all, if you’re starting to feel a bit overwhelmed, there is a fully functioning massage chair in the fourth-floor lounge.
6) Purple Room in Trever Hall basement
Most dorms have lounge spaces in their basements, but there is something about the lounge room in the basement of Trever Hall that is especially ideal for studying. Like most lounges, it is filled with chairs, couches, and can hold a pretty large crowd. I think it might be the purple paint in the lounge that really inspires a great study session.
7) Science Bridge
The two science buildings on campus are not only connected by an atrium on the first floor, there also is a bridge on the third floor that connects the buildings. With all the same charms as the first floor, there is the bonus of a great view of the Fox River from up there.
8) Quad
As the weather warms up, it can be nearly impossible to spend the whole day inside. The wonderful thing about an open campus with lots of green space is you don’t have too! There are many perch-worthy spots outside on campus perfect for studying. The grass on the Quad is a prime example. Just throw down a blanket and hit the books amid the sunshine. And don’t worry about not being able to use the WIFI; thanks to all the houses surrounding the Quad, you will be able to connect to the WIFI without issue.
9) Third Floor of the Library
The library is usually the first-place people go to get some good studying in, but what many people don’t know is each of the library’s floors have designated volume levels to fit different learners’ studying needs. As you make your way to the top floor, it gets progressively quieter, with the fourth floor designated for silent study. But if you are just looking for a quiet study spot, the third floor is your best bet.
10) Cooper Rock
I’ve learned, sometimes being in the same place for too long can crush your productivity. This is why I like to switch it up a bit and take my studying off campus. Copper Rock café is only a few blocks away from campus on College Avenue and can kickstart some great studying. The café is composed of two sections: the first section is the louder general area where people order and sit down to eat, while the second section is dedicated to soft conversation and quiet study.
11) Lou’s Brews
While a change of scenery can improve a study session, I do understand those who do not want to venture too far off campus. This cozy coffee shop right across the street from Colman Hall is an excellent spot to grab a smoothie and crack the books off campus.
