We simply can’t put it off any longer. Finals are here, and you HAVE to hit the books to keep that GPA above water. But where will you set up camp to study your little heart out? Lucky for you, our campus and downtown both have some really awesome spots that are as fun and comfortable as they are functional.
Here is your guide to all the best and most useful study spots, just in time for finals week. Whatever your study needs, from all-nighters to group projects, there is a perfect space for you.
Best Solo Study Spot: Fifth Floor Paterno Library, Comfy Window Seats
If you are looking for a spot that has every amenity possible for a 3+ hour cram session, this is it. Aside from comfort, the window sill offers plenty of desk space that will fit your laptop, books, coffee and all the snacks you will need over the course of your session. There are multiple outlets that will accommodate chargers for all your electronic needs. To top it off, it is right next to a ladies restroom, and the window offers a peaceful view of Rec Hall and Curtin Road.
Best Group Study Session Spot: Knowledge Commons Study Room
It may sound obvious, but a reservation for a group study room could be really beneficial to your GPA when finals week comes around. The white board is a great space to outline information for everyone to study and the monitors with laptop hookups make it easy to display lecture PowerPoints, study guides and Quizlet. One of the best parts about this 24-hour section of the library is that OrderUp will deliver to the front entrance so that you can feast with your study buddies. So yeah, it’s pretty much the best spot ever.
Best Group Project Spot: Willard Classroom
There is almost always an empty classroom in Willard in the evening. The projector makes it easy for the entire group to focus on the project at one time. It is also beneficial to have such a large space to avoid feeling cramped. Spread out the papers and snacks over all the desks and buckle down to ace that dreaded group project.
Best Study Date Spot: Upstairs of the Downtown Starbucks
Ask that cutie in your class to prepare for that huge exam with you over some coffee and cake pops. Where, you ask? In the upstairs area of the Starbucks behind Baby’s Diner. With cozy seating options and a caffeine factory right below you, you could get a high score on your exam and potentially score a real date after the test.
Best Off-Campus Spot: Schlow Library
It can get crowded during finals week, but if you live off campus and want a closer scholarly place to get some knowledge, the Schlow Library on the corner of Beaver Ave and Allen Street is a great option. If it’s a closer walk for you, it’s definitely worth it to surround yourself with books so that you at least feel a little more intelligent before your exam.
Best Quiet Study Spot: Newspaper and Microfilms Library
This part of the library has designated quiet spots, so if you need silence to process information, this area is a great spot for studying. The fact that it has desktop computers, printers and plenty of seating options is awesome, but with added reading material for when you need a break and McKinnon’s Café right next door, you’re set for hours and will definitely earn the grade you want.
Best of the West: Study Lab in Upstairs Chambers Building
A lesser known study spot is the study lab in the upstairs area of Chambers Building. There are several rooms and pods with modern furniture, outlets and monitors and they are each color-coded and unique, making for a fun and functional atmosphere. Plus, it is just steps away from West Halls.
Best of the East: Basement of Life Sciences
There is an area in the basement of the Life Sciences Building that is equipped with couches, desktop computers, and tables. If you prefer to use a desktop when you are cramming, you got it. If you need a nap, take it. If you want a quiet, comfortable and convenient space to prepare, the basement of Life Sciences is for you. Now that is a great study environment!
Best Pre-Exam Prep: Pollock Testing Center Computer Lab
Here is your spot if you want to run through those lecture slides one more time before your exam at Pollock Testing Center. Come as early as you’d like before your exam time, take some time to read over material, then just head right down the steps to your exam. It’s all in one convenient location.