Arguably, a perfect study spot is just as important as the big exam you’re studying for. The right environment makes or breaks your lock-in session, and the University of Connecticut definitely has a wide variety. As an engineering student, I’ve had my fair share of study sessions and have spent many semesters trying out all of the study spots on campus.
Throughout this article, I’ll be rating different spots based on their noise level, comfort, and overall vibe (out of five points). Alongside these classic ratings, I’ll also be assigning each spot to kiss, marry, or kill. Some places are so good you’ll want to go back all semester, some are perfect for an occasional stop-in, and others I’ll be avoiding at all costs.
Homer Babbidge Library: marry
With seven amazing floors to choose from, Homer Babbidge Library is one of the best study spots on campus. Sure, it’s cliché that the best study spot is the library, but UConn’s library is certainly something special. With each floor assigned a different noise level, you will always find a good spot for the type of work you’re doing. There are individual and group study rooms for reservation that are perfect for group projects or individual focused time. There are also many different table shapes and seating choices, so there is always a good spot no matter the mood you’re in. Additionally, the library has a cafe on the ground floor, which is a great spot to grab a snack or sandwich when you’re studying through mealtime. Overall, the library is a tried and true study spot for any occasion, with or without friends, at the beginning or end of the semester, and on weekdays or weekends.
Noise level: VARIABLE
Comfort: 4
Overall vibe: 4
Student Union Lawn: kill
Once the weather in Storrs breaks 60 degrees, students flood to the Student Union Lawn. Located just across from the back entrance of the Student Union, the lawn draws studiers, sunbathers, and Spike-Ballers alike. Although a seemingly good idea, the Student Union Lawn is definitely not the best place for a lock-in spot. With dewy grass, bugs, and blinding sunlight, I find it nearly impossible to get any quality work done while resting against my backpack. This spot definitely makes me feel like a zoo animal, with students on their way to class and tours walking by. During lunch hours, the lawn gets packed, and I get quite overstimulated. Overall, the Student Union Lawn is a great place to have lunch with friends or close your eyes and listen to music, but maybe not the best place to chip away at your Blackboard to-do-list.
Noise level: VARIABLE
Comfort: 2
Overall vibe: 3
Starbucks: kiss
Starbucks is, overall, a tried-and-true study spot. With cute decor, variable seating, and a fun drink in hand, Starbucks is the perfect place to get quality work done. At UConn, there is a Starbucks in the bookstore and one located downtown, so there are options depending on where your dorm or next class is. The tables are different sizes, so your table might not be large enough for your entire Apple ecosystem, but for typing out an essay or report, Starbucks is definitely a great choice. Also, during peak hours, it might get loud, so be sure to bring your noise-cancelling headphones and queue up some good music.
Noise level: MODERATE
Comfort: 3
Overall vibe: 4
The beanery: Kill
Although home to a delicious cafe, the Beanery is not the best place for studying. Located to the left of the entrance to the Benton Museum, the Beanery houses various table and chair arrangements, as well as a collection of soft lounge chairs. The tables are located right alongside the cafe, so in my opinion, it’s a pretty cramped setup. Additionally, around lunchtime, the cafe usually accumulates a pretty long line, so it gets pretty loud in there. I have trouble focusing in really loud environments, and even noise cancelling headphones can’t drown out all of the chatter. Overall, the Beanery is a cute place to grab a coffee and have lunch with a friend, but not my preferred spot to study on campus.
Noise level: LOUD
Comfort: 2
Overall vibe: 3
Wilbur Cross: marry
The south reading room located in the Wilbur Cross Building is one of my favorite study spots of all time. With long, sprawling tables, a cafe in the building, and an amazing aesthetic, I find myself coming back again and again. The aesthetic makes you feel like a character in Harry Potter, and the huge windows make it a perfect place to enjoy the sunlight or snowy weather. As a completely silent study space with long tables and big chairs, Wilbur Cross is a great place for long sessions of locked-in studying and quality work. Additionally, the CrossRoads cafe is located just down the hall, so it’s a perfect place to grab lunch or a pick-me-up during long study hours. And, an even better bonus, Wilbur Cross has outlets on every single table, so you’ll have a place to charge your devices as you work through problems or rewatch lectures. Overall, Wilbur Cross is definitely my ride-or-die study spot on campus.
Noise level: SILENT
Comfort: 3
Overall vibe: 5
Pharmacy Library: Marry
The pharmacy library is located on the second floor on the Pharmacy Biology Building, directly across the Chemistry Building. This is a silent space, so I find it especially helpful when I need to complete something quickly with no distractions. There are multiple table options, long tables that span the width of the room, group study rooms, and small tables with seats across from each other. The chairs are cushioned, but also stiff, definitely important for me to maintain focus. Additionally, there are large windows, so it’s a perfect place to observe the weather on any day, rain or shine. Overall, the pharmacy is one of my favorite spots. It’s located centrally to many of my classes, and I find it a great place for a long weekend lock in or a quick stop in the middle of the day.
Noise level: SILENT
Comfort: 4
Overall vibe: 5
dorm lounges: kill
With limited seating and neighbors who might need a shower, dorm lounges are a pretty lousy study spot. Sure, I’ve stopped in to complete a quick assignment or send a few emails, but dorm lounges are definitely not my go-to. Often stale, located at the end of a dark hallway, or smelling like the food someone just microwaved, they would definitely not be my first choice. The table and chair setup is variable depending on the dorm building, but overall, they need some work. Personally, I think that dorm lounges are better for socializing and late-night side quests, rather than cramming for your exam at 8 a.m. the next morning.
Noise level: VARIABLE
Comfort: 1
Overall vibe: 2
student union: Kiss
The Student Union is located directly in the center of UConn’s campus, right across from Gampel Pavilion. With fun dining options including Dunkin’ and Bear’s Barbeque and more, the Union is a good place to grab a snack and study for a while. There are also many different rooms with various seating, including different-sized tables, couches, high tables, outdoor seating and more. In general, the Student Union maintains a moderate noise level, fluctuating to louder levels around especially busy times like lunch and mid-afternoon. However, if you can manage to find a good table, it’s definitely a good spot to lock in for a while. Overall, the Student Union is close to many classes and a reliable classic study spot.
Noise level: MODERATE
Comfort: 3
Overall vibe: 4
Whether you’re a freshman arriving on campus for your first semester or a senior getting ready to graduate, I hope these recommendations include study spots you’ve been wanting to try, along with some of your go-to favorites. At the end of the day, it’s essential to find your own spot where you can get quality work done. Hopefully, my kiss, marry, kill list of my favorite (and least favorite) spots gives you some inspiration next time you’re searching for a good place to lock in!