This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at GWU chapter.
Finals are literally right around the corner, and Gelman is filled to the brim with people cramming last minute and pulling all-nighters! The study rooms in Gelman have all been booked, and it’s nearly impossible to find a table to study at. It’s a proven fact that studying in new places energizes your brain and actually helps you to focus better! Here are a few fabulous study locations that aren’t the library:
- Library of Congress- this may be the coolest place to study, ever. As long as you have a reading pass, you can sit in the actual reading room and study for hours on end. Just make sure you check the hours! The LOC tends to have shorter hours than most libraries.
loc.gov
- Milken Institute School of Public Health- a lot of students at GW don’t realize this building exists, as it’s right at the edge of campus. However, the building is always quiet, not crowded, and has beautiful floor-to-celing windows that overlook Washington Circle!
publichealth.gwu.edu
- Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café- a famous indie book store, this is the cutest place to crack open the books and do some readings. After all, you are in a book store!
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- Paul- this is my personal favorite. Paul has the best hot chocolate! Cozy up in one of the velvet-tufted booths and indulge in a chocolate croissant as you review flashcards.
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- Kogod Courtyard- located in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, the indoor courtyard is a welcome change from the stuffy library. With plants, natural light from the glass ceilings, and a quiet atmosphere, this could be a great way to spend an afternoon studying. Plus, it has free wifi!
npg.edu
- The Marvin Center- since J-Street closed down, the Marvin Center has become another place to gather with friends, do a group project, or have a meal! There are huge tables, comfy booths, and couches scattered throughout the first floor. It has a nice, quiet atmosphere, but not quite as strict as the library would be.
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- District House Basement- after making my way down there for the first time a couple of weeks ago, I was astounded at how big it was! There are two lower levels in District, each with rows and rows of cushioned booths, tables, and bar-style counters/stools. Obviously, it’s going to be a lot busier once the food vendors open, but it’s generally pretty quiet for now!
neighborhood.gwu.edu
- This last one is for anyone in Greek Life- your sorority’s house is always a welcome place to study! Ask one of your sisters for help on a topic you don’t understand, or curl up on the living room couch to write a paper. You pay dues for a reason, so definitely utilize the house.
gwhatchet.com
Happy studying!
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