Stony Brook University is a pretty academically-intense place and is filled with approximately 25,000 undergraduate students, making finding a good study spot a rather difficult feat. Luckily, if you think a little outside the box, you can find the little nooks and crannies across campus that will be perfect for getting work done this finals season.
1. The North Reading Room
This is usually the first place I will try to go, but unless you go as soon as it opens in the morning, it is almost impossible to find a seat. The first floor is ideal, but I have started to venture up to the second floor every now and then, and there are silent areas if you make a right at the top of the stairs.
2. The Stacks
I stumbled upon the study areas in the stacks one day while in search of some books that weren't my textbooks (they redid the cover of their Harry Potter collection to make it look as boring as possible, but if you look closely you will find it). The study desks are against the windows and are each sectioned off from each other with cute little dividers, and they each have an outlet to charge your laptop or phone.
3. Staller Center
This place is probably my most secret location because I don't think I've seen anyone else studying here. Funny enough, I am actually writing this article just outside their SINC site, where there are two tables and a wall of couches. In the part of Staller that houses the auditorium, there are chairs all along the wall facing the window on the second floor, and a few on the first floor, most of which are usually empty.
4. East or West Side Dining
I studied while I ate during a lot of my midterms, so as not to waste time (it's important to remember to eat while you are studying) and found that I was less distracted when any food I wanted was right there.
5. Humanities
I have never gone here to study myself, but many people think of the Humanities building as their ideal study spot. During the day there is a ton of natural light, and there is seating all along the walls.
6. Harriman Hall
I have gone to Harriman to study a few times, usually before my chemistry lecture there, and the big tables give you plenty of space to lay out whatever materials you may need.
7. Roth Café
First of all, God bless the Roth meal exchange: the Smash 'n Shake veggie burger and garlic fries are awesome. However, Roth has more to offer than just yummy food! There are plenty of tables to study at and a Starbucks downstairs (okay, maybe a lot of the appeal comes from the snack options available).
8. Javits
I have found myself getting a lot of my studying done while sitting on the floor or the middle waiting room of Javits, and for some reason it has become another one of my favorite spots.
