Best Study Spots on Campus for STEM Majors

Studying in your dorm can be hard. Sometimes you need somewhere to go where you can focus without getting distracted or being tempted to lie in bed.

STEM classes can be challenging, which makes it even more important to have places to go where you know you can focus and study. I’ve tried quite a few spots all over campus, but here are some of my favorites.

ECoRE

I got this idea from my best friend, and she did not disappoint. Located on the west side of campus in the newer engineering section, this building is not only beautiful from the outside but on the inside as well.  

There are various places in the building where you can make your own space based on your preferences. From study rooms to a spacious open area with chairs and tables on the main floor, it’s almost impossible not to find somewhere to hide out and lock in for a few hours.  

During the day, it can be busy as it’s home to many classrooms and learning spaces. However, at night it can serve as a quiet place to study.  

One of my favorite spots there is on the main floor, either in one of the chairs up against the tall windows or closer to the middle at a high-top table, so I can spread out all of my materials.  

No matter what you’re looking for in a place to study, if you’re ever in the area, it’s worth checking out.  

Biobehavioral health building

Last year, around finals, the BBH building was my go-to if I wanted to study for an hour or two but not be there for a long time.  

Overlooking the HUB lawn, the biobehavioral health building is a great place to go if you’re like me and like to zone out looking out the window to think.  

Inside, it has a very modern and clean look, which makes it easier for me to focus. There are small tables up against the windows that provide just enough space for your laptop and a notebook.  

While I haven’t fully explored the building, I feel like if you need room to spread everything out, this may not be the spot for you. However, if you just need to get something done on your laptop or maybe a quick problem set, this is a great place to go.  

The Stacks

How could I complete this list without including such a classic?  

In my opinion, the stacks are one of the best locations in the library to study. You won’t be bothered, it’s silent and it’s so easy to get lost in what you’re doing because you’re so focused.  

Another pro is that since it’s in the library, if you need a break (either from being so secluded or from studying) or a boost of energy, there’s a Starbucks right there.  

The only real downside is that it can also be a little creepy if you’re alone, and being there at night is a little daunting. However, if you study best alone and in complete silence, I recommend going.  

physical and mathematical sciences library

I didn’t start going here until this year, but I wish I had tried it earlier. If you have classes in or near Osmond, this is a great place to go if you need to study. 

Located on the second floor of Davey across from the HUB, this library is convenient to get to from most classes.

There are large whiteboards and monitors, and most spaces are set up to accommodate up to six people. It’s quiet, but not dead silent, so you can still work with a study group. 

If you want to go with a group of friends to study for an exam but don’t want to go all the way to Pattee/Paterno, this is a great place to go instead.  

Even if you’re studying alone or just need a space to get work done, I would recommend going.

COnclusion

It took me almost a year to find the best study spots for me, and hopefully at least one of them will work for you, too. Even if the places on this list aren’t a good fit for you, there are so many other spots on campus that you just haven’t found yet.

My best advice is to keep exploring and try somewhere new if you’re in the area. The most important thing is that you find the best place for you.

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