On a campus of thousands like that of Penn State at University Park, it can be a daunting task to find a quiet and comfortable spot to spend the afternoon studying. When the weather turns cold, and it always does trust me, it seems that all I want is some place warm that serves great coffee to keep the studying going for hours. These are five of my favorite spots to study at Penn State that I think every student should give a try once or twice while they're a student.
1. Barranquero Cafe
This Columbian coffee shop is located on Calder Way just down the street from Bagel Crust. I've been to this coffee shop multiple times, and the coffee is fantastic. It specializes in Columbian coffee as well as traditional Columbian finger foods if you're looking for a snack while you're studying. There's large tables to spread your work out downstairs as well as a quiet lounge upstairs that features antique chairs and tables. The atmosphere of this place is my favorite part; I could spend hours here.
2. Webster's Bookstore Cafe
Webster's is another great place to study downtown. It's located on Beaver Avenue right after you cross over Pugh Street. This place is what I would call a book hoarders den with shelves and shelves of used books as well as a small selection of used vinyl. But if you're looking for a place to study, Webster's has a spacious cafe that features great coffee and a selection of vegan and vegetarian foods. Definitely plenty of room to bring your laptops and your friends and finish all the work you left until Sunday afternoon.
3. Irving's
Irving's on College Avenue is another one of my personal favorite spots to study. The only downside to this place is that it's incredibly popular. But nonetheless, this place has great smoothies and coffees as well as some of the best bagels in State College if you ask me. It has both a large area of seating upstairs as well as downstairs seating with plenty of study room. I wouldn't suggest going at lunchtime, but early in the morning, it's a great place for some quiet studying.
4. Kunkle Lounge in Hammond
Kunkle Lounge is a part of Hammond Building that sits on College Avenue across from the Dunkin Donuts. As it's simply a study lounge in an academic building, I normally go to the Dunkin before, then head over to this three story lounge to find a place to work. It's not huge, but again, it has three different stories with tables and chairs to spread out at, as well as a counter with stools on the first floor that wraps around the room and looks out onto Beaver Avenue. On the third level, you will find two different cubicles each catered to help students with resume review or study abroad questions.
5. The Cybertorium in Information Sciences Technology Building
My final place to study at Penn State is located in the IST Building. After passing the Au Bon Pain in the building, which is where I go for my coffee when I'm studying, you will find a large computer lecture hall that is open in the evenings for students to study. I studied here all the time for my freshman finals as it features auditorium-style levels of computers and desks. It has ample desk space to spread out as well as comfortable chairs and many computers to use. It's always packed during finals, but if you can find a spot, it's a great place to do some quiet studying.
