Finals are here. You know what that means— excess amounts of caffeine, several large projects all due on the same day, and a library that’s packed to the brim.
To take some of the pressure off our beautiful library, most study spots will be open 24 hours starting December 13th. The university posted a list of study spaces and extended hours for students to lock in for this upcoming week on the December 8th Notice Board.
This is certainly good news if you need to pull an all-nighter! However, the question remains: Where are the best spaces to study on campus?
As a third-year student who could not get her work done in a dorm, I’ve tested a lot of spots on campus. So, here’s my ranking and assessment of 24-hour study spots to help you pick where you will grind out your final paper or spend 8 hours cramming for an exam.
6. UMin Great Room
While I love The Great Room as a space for meetings, I simply cannot study there. The chairs are too comfortable, and there’s very limited table space if you need to write notes.
However, if you want to be extremely comfortable and curled up while studying, this could be the spot for you!
5. Friedsam Memorial Library
We all know and love her, but during finals week, it’s a war to find seating. For this reason, I normally avoid it during the day.
Finding a seat isn’t impossible, but I find it difficult to focus when I’m surrounded by so many people, so it does more harm than good. If you find crowds to be motivating, definitely try your luck and search for a seat!
4. Damietta Center
The Damietta Center is on the second floor of the Reilly Center, and it is a very warm and inviting space. There is a coffee maker and sometimes snacks! It also has a variety of seating options to fit every preference.
I haven’t tried to study there during finals week, however, so I cannot comment on how busy it gets.
3. Café la Verna
Although food service will close at regular hours, the space will be available to students for 24 hours during finals week. With or without access to snacks and coffee, this is a very cozy and spacious option.
2. Swan
Swan was my go-to study spot sophomore year. The glass-enclosed lobby gives you a great view for studying, and there’s always space available. At the same time, there’s always an accounting major stressing in the lobby, and their presence is slightly motivating. Â
The only downside here is that it can get cold, so layer up!
If the lobby is full or you want more privacy, numerous classrooms in Swan are open 24 hours for studying as well. You can check the Notice Board to find out which ones you can hide away in.
1. Plassmann first and second floor lounges
At spot number one is my second home: Plassmann Hall. I was distraught when Murphy closed, and the First Amendment Lounge (and its Keurig) was gone. Luckily, Plassmann houses two very comfortable lounges.
Both lounges have different seating options with tables, high tops, and couches, and are relatively quiet.
While the first-floor lounge is listed as open for 24 hours, there’s no mention of the second-floor lounge. However, the second-floor lounge is far superior, so definitely try to trek up the stairs and steal a seat up there if you can!
Wherever you choose to study this finals season, I wish you the best of luck! You’ve got this!