Creative Study Spots: Pandemic Edition

Living in a seemingly online and virtual world presents multiple challenges. Zooming from a dorm room all day long can become monotonous at a scarily rapid pace. Finding creative study spaces outside saved me from being caught in an academic slump this semester. Here are a few of my personal favorites!

1. GINKGO ALLÉE

On the east side of Olin library, outside of Eads Hall, there stands an allée, planted ever so thoughtfully. These Ginkgo trees are perfectly aligned, forming a sort of tunnel, or allée, with a walking path through the middle. In the fall season, these illustrious trees’ leaves turn from green to a vibrant yellow. When they drop their leaves, a blanket is formed on the ground, looking like something out of a fairytale. Turning the corner from any direction causes the eyes of the viewer to be almost blinded by the brightness of their radiant yellow color. These fan-shaped leaves are nothing short of beautiful, although, like many fall leaves, this seasonal beauty is temporary. After the leaves turn yellow and fall from the branches, the trees become bare for the winter season. In early November each year, this allée is the place to be. I enjoyed studying and joining my Zoom classes from the grassy courtyard surrounding the allée. Well, it usually is grassy, but in this short period of time, it is a sun-colored blanket of leaves! Catch this beauty while it lasts before the trees cycle through for their seasonal process – if you blink, you might just miss it! Research has proven that bright light can increase serotonin levels in the human body. This Ginkgo allée sure is a bright light on campus in the fall! Even with the cushion of leaves evacuated, this allée is a true tucked-in gem in the heart of campus. Be sure to check it out!

2. EAST END

The east end of campus is no doubt more modern and renovated than the rest of campus, so on a bright sunny day, a nice lunch from my favorite dining hall, Parkside Cafe, and an essay to write at the tables by the fountains in Tisch Park is an enjoyable combination! This area provides a lovely view of Brookings Hall, and if you are an artist-wannabe, you can feel inspired while watching Sam Fox students refine their creations outside. All the walkways converge to the center of this magnificent space. The topography seems to beckon all to explore Forest Park…just a bit further to the east!

3. ELIOT COURTYARD

Not feeling the walk to main campus from your dorm on the South Forty? Fear not! Eliot Courtyard provides a typically quiet hideaway for accomplishing any study demands. Find yourself at a table or by the windows peering into Bear’s Den, in the grassy courtyard, or on one of its surrounding benches. Stay for a few hours, then go join your friends to dine at BD!

4. BROOKINGS QUAD

This underrated space has become too much of a walk-through for students heading to or from the East End. Offer it some love and stay a while! Camp out in the grass with a blanket or chair, or even sit on the benches in the surrounding tunnel of archways. It’s typically quiet and is quite beautiful! Drop by for a moment of refreshment or lock in the balance of beauty and tranquility for hours.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Tables outside of Etta’s Market by the Sam Fox School, zen garden by Sam Fox School, Olin Business school courtyard, tables outside the DUC, and hammocking anywhere on campus! The bottom line is that WashU is beautiful, and you cannot go wrong no matter where you choose to study!