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U Mich | Culture

My Favorite, Underrated Study Spots at U Mich

Carolyn Potter Student Contributor, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mich chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

After over three years of being on campus, I’ve studied at almost every building on central and more. However, the University of Michigan’s large student population often makes it hard to find a good study spot. After exploring many parts of campus, here’s a list of my favorite, underrated study spots that don’t have an overwhelming number of students. 

Palmer Commons

Located on the Hill, Palmer Commons serves as a conference center, but also contains a large open study area on the third floor. There are also various tables scattered around other floors. Palmer has lots of windows that allow for plenty of natural light, with booths, tables, and high tops that are usually never busy. 

Weill Hall

My bias as a Ford student, Weill Hall is the public policy building located at the corner of Hill and State Street. Though the location is past the Law Quad, it is still located on Central Campus and also has various study spots located on the first three floors. Open to all students before 6 PM, Weill Hall has a variety of study options like large tables, booths, and a quiet library located on the third floor. 

Fireside Cafe at Pierpont Commons

My favorite place to study on campus, the Fireside Cafe on North Campus, has plenty of open space with large windows to allow lots of natural light. There are a large number of tables, booths, and a fireplace that make the space very cozy. Most evenings that I study at Fireside Cafe, as there are very few people there, meaning there’s an extremely high probability of snagging a comfy booth with outlets. 

School of Social Work

The School of Social Work is another study spot that usually isn’t too busy. The lower-level atrium has plenty of tables and comfy chairs that provide a good space to focus. The first floor also has other large, comfy chairs. 

Tappan Hall Fine Arts Library

Located right next to the UMMA, Tappan Hall contains the Fine Arts Library on the second floor. A quiet study space, the Fine Arts Library has large tables sandwiched between bookshelves. Though the Fine Arts Library is small, Tappan Hall isn’t usually too busy and provides a good, silent place to study. 

Carolyn Potter

U Mich '26

Carolyn is a senior at the University of Michigan studying public policy. She loves late night talks, The Backseat Lovers, books that make her cry, and giggling. Ask her about her take on the last song of an album!