I don’t know whether most people feel this way, but I have a very hard time doing homework or studying in my room. There’s so many distractions and it feels like a place to relax, not to do schoolwork. Because of this, I’ve had to find other places to do work. I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite on-campus spots to study, in the hopes that this will be of use to other TWAMPS.
1. The bookstore
The bookstore is a great place to go study because, since it’s off campus, very few students are ever there. The second floor of the bookstore has tables and a Starbucks, making it the ideal place for caffeine-loving college students. The people-watching there is great, too; there are old couples that frequent the bookstore, and it is highly entertaining to listen to their conversations.
2. Lake Matoaka
Whether you go to the dock behind Botetourt Complex, or the dock and amphitheatre behind the business school, Matoaka is an absolutely breathtaking study location. The scenery is gorgeous, and the breeze from the water makes perfect weather even more perfect. I would highly recommend venturing out to the lake one day, because being there makes studying or doing homework not quite so horrible.
3. The Sunken Garden
When it’s warm outside, there’s no place better to study than the Sunken Garden. If you bring a towel and some sunglasses, you can lay in the Sunken Garden and soak up some sun, and maybe even get some work done. The Sunken Garden is the ideal place for TWAMPs to lounge around during the spring, and it’s one of my personal favorite spots on campus.
4. The Tyler Garden![]()
As long as you don’t mind statues staring at you while you write a paper, the Tyler Garden is the perfect place to be. The little bench that’s opposite the statue is a wonderful place to sit in the sunshine without having to sit in mud. And, if you need a break, the echo wall is conveniently located by the Tyler Garden, so you can amuse yourself with the sound of your own voice.
5. Tucker Hall
The second and third floors of Tucker, while a little confusing to navigate, are very peaceful and usually pretty quiet. This makes them a great place to study, especially since the classrooms have comfy chairs. There’s also a huge staircase separating the two halves of the second floor, which provides a nice place to sit if all the classrooms are full. Overall, Tucker is an excellent spot to study, as long as you avoid the third floor bathroom (it’s said to be haunted).
6. Randolph Complex
In the center of the Randolph Complex, there’s a little area with picnic tables and trees. This is a great place to go study or do homework because it’s relatively isolated and quiet, but it’s also an opportunity to be outside enjoying the fresh air and Vitamin D. Even if you don’t live in this complex, it’s a nice place to do work.
