The semester is officially in full swing, with assignments and exams looming over the horizon. Whether it be for class or pleasure, reading will for sure take up most of your semester. Here are some of my favorite spots on campus to lose myself between the pages of a novel or get caught up on my textbook chapters.
Norlin Quad
Pack a blanket (or an XL sweatshirt), and some snacks and you’re all set to spend hours immersing yourself in your book under the sun. If you want to read and sunbathe, and you don’t mind crowd noises, then definitely pick a spot closer to Norlin Library. There’s more open space, lots of sunlight, and people are always moving around between different buildings. If you’d rather a quieter area, then the move is going further away from the library. Toward the back, past Old Main, you’ll find lots of trees and shady areas, and barely any people will disrupt the silence or the music in your headphones. It’s ideal for simple homework, like chapter readings, or even quizzes, since it’s pretty quiet and the internet still works.
Roser Atlas
Hail, rain or sunshine, Roser Altas has a spot for whatever the weather may be. When it’s warm and sunny out, I prefer to sit outside at the tables overlooking the crosswalk, though most of the time I’ll grab the first free table inside and sip on an Earl Gray Latte from the café. What I love about this place is all the people-watching I can do while reading. Sometimes I’ll even keep my headphones off and just watch the movement around me. There’s something peaceful about sitting still at a table sipping on a hot drink while everyone moves around you, rushing to class or meeting a friend.
Shakespeare Garden
Snuggled between Lucille Berkeley Buchannan, Denison and Hellems, the Shakespeare Garden is a reader’s best-kept secret. The buildings muffle the traffic from Broadway, there aren’t a lot of people around, and there are so many nice spots: a couple of benches, a few tables, and a strong tree to lean on. And on top of that, it’s super picturesque. If you walk around it, you’ll find little signs around the plants with Shakespeare’s plays and the type of herb planted there. I can’t wait until construction is over.
EatonHumanities
If you don’t mind the hustle and bustle of students walking to and from class, the lobby of Eaton Humanities is pretty nice to settle in with a good book or to get some homework done. There’s a large window and a divider, so the noise isn’t too distracting, and there’s a variety of couches and tables to choose from. If you want something more peaceful, then definitely go up to the second or third floor. At different spots in the hallways, you’ll find desks against windows overlooking Norlin Quad. And since you’re around offices instead of classrooms, rarely will soul walk by.
Norlin Courtyard
Early in the morning—any time before 10 a.m., really—you’ll have your choice of table. You’re right next to Laughing Goat café, so you can get your daily dose of caffeine and let the fountain be your playlist as you immerse yourself in your book. Since you’re right next to the library, the wifi connection will be strong, so it doubles as a perfect homework and productivity spot.
CU’s campus is huge, and there is a plethora of spots around to make your own. Whether you choose one of these or find a new one, you’ll be set in terms of turning this campus into your home.