With midterms right around the corner, campus is getting crowded with students looking for places to study. Students are fleeing the distractions of roommates and TVs and looking for a place of their own to set up study camp. I have found many places that are now like a second home to me after spending hours upon hours studying there.
The patio outside of the KU Torch Lounge – On a warm day, I spend a lot of time on the patio. The patio is above all of the activity on campus, so sound does not travel up to the patio very much. There is still a bit of background noise, but it’s relatively quiet. With the view, fresh air, and few distractions, this is by far one of my favorite places to study.
The Marycrest dining hall – If you like background noise, this is a great place to study during the day. Last year, as a Marycrest resident, I would often study in the dining hall after 10 p.m. when the dining hall closes. It was always quiet and distraction free. That is one of the things I miss most about Marycrest.
The picnic tables behind Marycrest – I always overlooked these tables last year, but there are a few picnic tables in the slightly wooded area behind Marycrest.
The benches outside of Gardens and the law school – If you’re frequently near Gardens apartments and the law school, you know there is a small green space in between the buildings. There are two benches in this green space that make for a great study spot, if you like studying in the outdoors.
Starbucks and Panera – Brown Street options are great for students who live in the north Student Neighborhood or off campus past Brown Street. You’ll be able to enjoy some good food or coffee while you study, too.
Saxby’s – Students who live in the South student neighborhood are close to Saxby’s, a local coffee shop. This coffee shop is similar to the atmosphere of Starbucks, but less hectic and closer for students who live in other areas.
Your own spot in Roesch Library – The library has so many options for places to study. My niche in the library is the fourth floor study desks. These provide small walls to separate you from those around you. Last year, during my first year of the CORE program, I worked with people in my classes. We would often use the Collab space on the first floor.
Individual study rooms in the library – I did not know about the study rooms in the library until second semester of my freshman year, but once I learned about them, I was constantly using them to study. All you have to do is ask for a study room at the circulation desk in the library. There are almost always open study rooms, but during finals week, they fill up very quickly.
Classrooms in your academic building – Based on your major, you have 24-hour access to the building that houses your major. There may be some available classrooms for you to study in. It is the perfect quiet spot for you to study or work with a group.
Fitz Hall – Commonly referred to by its old name, the CPC, the building across Brown Street has plenty of quiet study space that is away from the hustle and bustle of campus. There are several great study areas all over the building.
The Zimmerman Law Library – The library in the law school is the right environment to inspire you to study like law students. You’ll get right to business.
