As a top-ranked college town in America, Boulder is full of cute study spots on and off the University of Colorado, Boulder campus. From coffee shops to libraries, Boulder offers a variety of nice, quiet places to study. Finding a positive study environment is especially important during final exam season. Although it may be convenient to complete assignments in the comfort of your dorm room or apartment, final exams require a level of focus that may be hard to achieve with roommates present. Finals also mean longer study hours, so having a change of scenery can help students concentrate.
The comfortability, lighting, noise and organization of a student’s surroundings heavily impact the effectiveness of their learning. Ideal study spaces stimulate learning and encourage creativity through factors such as comfortable seating, natural lighting and little to no distractions. A good study space is vital to absorbing new information and understanding difficult concepts. Boulder has options for areas that motivate students to engage in classwork and foster academic success. In my two years at CU Boulder so far, I’ve discovered some of my favorite go-to study spots. Here’s a small list of places that drive me to get work done!
- Boulder public library
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Boulder Public Library has a friendly, welcoming vibe that helps me study. It’s open to the public every day in an easily accessible location. It provides free resources like wifi, technology and educational books. It also has a cafe for people to grab a drink or snack during study breaks. This establishment is by far my favorite public library. It’s such a cute community with so many areas to explore. It contains a theatre and a small art museum, and fun decorations like plants and paintings line the walls. As someone who struggles to park on the street, I also appreciate the affordable parking lot. I can accomplish hours of productivity there without worrying about my car or the outside world.
- Trident
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Trident is a well-known study spot in Boulder, famous for its half-coffee shop and half-book store layout. It has comfortable seating and windows that allow sunlight to filter through. I love the combined smell of espresso and book pages when I study here. I also enjoy the background noise of people chatting. Students who prefer complete silence while studying should choose a library setting over a cafe. However, Trident is a lovely local small business that deserves support from people in Boulder. It’s an organized and beautiful space with fun events in the heart of the city.
- Ozo’s coffee
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Ozo’s Coffee has a delicious selection of food and drink items on its menu that has made me a frequent customer. I usually order matcha or coffee before I settle down and write a paper. I like the convenience of studying here because it’s near my current apartment. The parking situation is straightforward and the color scheme is visually appealing. The only downside is the chairs are a bit uncomfortable, but I do my best to go on less crowded days when booths are available. The cushioned booths make it easier to focus on tasks.
- Norlin library
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Although it’s exciting to find off-campus study areas, the on-campus ones are equally beneficial. I have weird gaps in my schedule this semester that don’t give me enough time to go off-campus to study, so I utilize on-campus facilities. Norlin Library is a classic place to visit when students need to finish their work. It has five floors with plenty of research resources and private study rooms. This library tends to attract large crowds during finals, so it’s crucial to strategically plan the study session at a time when it’s less busy. It also has the Laughing Goat cafe on the first floor if students crave a sweet treat. Its stunning exterior and interior structures contribute to its popularity within the university.
- University Memorial Center, 5th floor
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The 5th floor of the UMC is an underrated school study space. I didn’t realize that the building has five floors, much less that one floor is specifically for studying. The first floor of the UMC has a bookstore, dining options and a bowling alley, so most students have only ever gone to this section of the building. The 5th floor is a chill study area with indoor and outdoor seating. Of all my listed locations, this one is typically the quietest. It has fewer students than Norlin and the energy is more laid back. I got lucky stumbling upon this floor!
I’m always looking for more Boulder study spots so I can get to know the city better and switch up my surroundings. These are my current favorites, but I’m curious to see what other ones might work for me. A solid study environment is essential to learning, and I highly recommend checking out these places this finals season.