U of I has many different places to study and each has a very different vibe. So if you are going here or are planning on going here, you should know which place fits you best. Or if you are planning on not studying at all. Cool. Do you dude. But they are all wayyyyy different, so pick your poison.
1. Ikenberry Commons
The Ike is filled with Freshmen, obviously. You have the Caffeinator which produces shitty coffee and half toasted bagels but 57 is just downstairs if you need some study snacks. The libraries are actually super quiet but sitting outside means you are gonna get nothing done, I promise you will run into every person you have ever met. Don't bother sitting at the tables by 57, then you see everyone going out to have fun while you are stuck studying for that midterm worth 20% of your grade. Don't do that to yourself bud, sit upstairs. The Ike gets old quickly and the dim lights they have mixed with the 2000's pandora station they play, it closing at 2am and the fact that your dorm is only like 300 feet away doesn't produce the best study conditions. but still, 10/10 recommend.
2. UGL
Finals, midterms, big paper... Go to the UGL. This place is running 24 hours a day. It also has an Espresso Royale which is clutch as all hell when it's 3am and you have to cram for those three midterms you have. Another perk, pretty much every table has plugs for chargers. You know I am not about to walk back all the way to my dorm because my computer is at 4%, the UGL gotchu, don't worry. It's also always so bright in there. I don't know what kind of lightbulbs they use but that shit keeps me up forever. Only downside is that when I go there with people I get super hyper for some reason and don't get anything done... that's when you have to go to the quiet floor. It's ugly for sure but it's underground so that's kinda cool, I guess...
3. Bromley
Not quite sure because #Idontlivethere and they have shitty food. So take that with a grain of salt.
4. Dorm Room
Don't study in your dorm. That's stupid. You will end up taking a nap, forgetting to set an alarm and not waking up at a convenient time. Get your ass up and go somewhere to study. Enough Said.
5. Starbucks
Basic? Yes of course. Don't go to the one on Green Street because it's constantly full and pretty cramped. The one in the bookstore is nice at certain times, though. You've got good coffee and you can crank a decent amount of homework out. Unless you are like me and you have bad luck and some creepy man asks to sit at your table. I got this table! Go Away! But pretty good spot all in all. Highly recommended.
6. Espresso Royale
Are you a hipster? Do you like alternative music? Do you like uncomfortable seating places? Espresso is the place for you. Don't get me wrong, Espresso makes great coffee and, pro tip: they have good sandwiches too, but I don't understand why someone would study in that small itty bitty place when there is an Espresso at literally ever library. Stop trying to be grungy and study somewhere normal thank you.
7. BIF
The BIF has a lot going for it. It's nice and light and it has an Espresso. (See what I am saying here with all the Espressos, why would you go to the actual shop ever?) I love studying here except everyone is so full of themselves in this place. Take your suit off we get it you're a Business major. Chill.
If you are studying anywhere else... you are weird.
