Even with the current 95-degree heat, the beginning of October marks the true start of fall. When workloads start to pick up, sometimes you just need a pumpkin chai in hand and a cozy study spot, the tried-and-true Rory Gilmore way.
Since it’s officially Gilmore Girls season, here are some of the best FSU study spots that would definitely earn Rory’s stamp of approval to help you romanticize your ever-growing workload.
Dodd Hall
Dodd Hall was the original FSU library before Strozier came along, so it’s no surprise that it makes for the perfect study spot.
It’s almost impossible not to focus in this quiet sanctuary with its stunning stained-glass panes and wooden architecture. The amount of speed writing and reading I’ve accomplished here is nothing to laugh at. Rory would absolutely thrive with a comfy seat and some headphones in this space.
William Johnston Building
The William Johnston Building is a hidden gem near Landis Green! In my opinion, the floor-to-ceiling windows make it one of the easiest places to stay happy and focused.
Even better, it also has the ACE tutoring center on the ground floor, so help is never too far away. Despite being open 24/7, it never feels overly crowded. If you scout around, you’ll also find some seriously comfy chairs and vending machines with some surprisingly good coffee: two essentials for a true Gilmore Girls-inspired study session.
strozier’s third floor
This wouldn’t be a true FSU study spot list without at least one library mentioned. To be honest, I’m a Strozier girl, but sometimes the first two floors can feel overwhelming due to the chatter and lack of seating.
The third floor, however, is everything I want in a study space. There are cozy chairs in the back of the East and West Annexes, and if you’re lucky enough, you might even score one of those blocked-off cubbies for maximum focus.
If you really need to lock in, the study rooms on the third floor are a lifesaver; just be sure to reserve them a few days in advance. Those giant whiteboards and swivel chairs have saved me more than once.
The Sweet Shop Cafe & Lounge
This one’s a classic. While not the quietest spot on this list, it’s certainly the yummiest.
In true Gilmore Girls fashion, you can put on your headphones, pull out your book, and sip on a coffee. I personally recommend the Gingy Chai; that drink makes tackling my chemistry homework at least ten times more enjoyable.
Another bonus: The Sweet Shop has its own Wi-Fi! When FSU Wi-Fi starts slowing down, this place is my go-to.
Upstairs at 1851
If the Sweet Shop didn’t give it away, I’m a snacking studier, just like Rory. That’s why I love being right above one of the biggest food hubs on campus.
It’s usually pretty quiet upstairs, and the oversized chairs are practically begging you to sit and study in them. For long study sessions, it’s the perfect balance: you can head downstairs for Starbucks or a quick snack without losing your focus.
At the end of the day, finding your perfect study spot is all about balancing comfort, focus, and maybe a little caffeine. Whether you’re channeling Rory Gilmore in the historic Dodd Hall, escaping the crowds at Strozier, or cozying up with a chai at the Sweet Shop, FSU has no shortage of welcoming corners to make your study sessions feel a little less dull.
So, grab your pumpkin-flavored drink of choice, queue up some Gilmore Girls, and make this semester your most Rory-approved one yet!
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