Uncovering Hidden Gems
Last semester, I struggled to find a place where I could hole up and get all of my work done, so this semester I made it my goal to find the perfect study spot here at UW-Madison. As a freshman, last fall was all about exploring campus, and what I found was that Memorial Union served to be too loud, the libraries were all too serious for general study (with an exemption during finals) and the lounge at my dorm was only nice at night. So, I took it upon myself to hunt down the perfect building for my daily studying and homework. Right now, I feel that I have found the three most perfect buildings to get my work done: The School of Education, the Law Library and the School of Human Ecology (SoHE). All three of these buildings are unique, underrated and peaceful buildings on campus, perfect for different occasions.
I want to start with my favorite building on campus, The School of Education. The Ed School building quite literally has it all. Located on Bascom Hill, it is in a central location of campus close to all of my current classes. Walking through the double red doors, you are immediately greeted with the central part of the building filled with welcoming tables, chairs and open space. My favorite part of this room are the big, open windows that show the backside of Bascom and sneak a peek of Lake Mendota. The natural lighting of this room also makes it an easy and light environment to work in. Another aspect of this building that I love is that you have the ability to sit outside and do work on the patio during the warmer months. Though I have not been able to do this yet, I am looking forward to a warm day when I will have the chance to do so. However, I think my favorite part of the School of Education is the cafe inside. Every day when I go there to work, I go get some lunch and a coffee from the cafe before sitting down and starting to grind. The School of Education is the perfect balance of quiet but not dead silent for me, and I always find myself being productive there and enjoying my time.
A very different change of pace from The School of Education is the Law Library. The Law Library is a building that I just recently discovered. Located right across from the Ed School on the other side of Bascom, the Law Library is the most perfect and quiet spot when it comes to studying. It is fully silent, which can be motivating for some people to lock in and get their work done, but my personal favorite part of the library is its architecture rather than its silence. Since you can find a silent environment at any of the libraries on campus, the Law Library is a better environment for me due to its all glass ceiling with a view of Bascom, unique structure and pretty surroundings. The silence is a perk in keeping the crowds low, and the law school also has many other study spots throughout the building, just in case.
Lastly, my third favorite building on campus is the Nancy Nicholas Hall or SoHE. SoHE definitely has to be the most unique building on campus, with its bright and vibrant colors, natural lighting and funky design; SoHE is a great study spot. Similar to The School of Education, SoHE has a cafe where students can grab a drink or snack and then go sit down, along with outdoor tables where students can study in the warmer weather. The two downsides to SoHE are that it is always busy in the primary area, and it is far from most of campus. I only really go over there when I have a class nearby. When I had some time, I found many other, smaller study spots away from the main area that are quieter and less crowded. Be sure to check out the first floor bathrooms when visiting SoHE for a unique surprise as well!
With most of the semester still ahead, I definitely recommend that you try out these study spots. I truly love working in these locations and switching up my locations from the standard library. I can’t wait to keep exploring Madison and the UW campus as the years go by, and continue to find more unique and awesome study spots!