Baylor brings the best—the best people, the best school spirit, the best atmosphere. But there are many spots around campus that are often overlooked. These help make Baylor even better. Whether you’re cramming for tomorrow’s math test, hanging out with that friend from Line Camp, or looking for a way to destress, here are some of Baylor’s best places.
Best quiet study spot: Armstrong Browning Library
Pros: Quiet. Beautiful. Studious atmosphere.
Cons: Almost too quiet. No food or drinks. Short hours.
Armstrong Browning is where real studying happens. You’re in arguably the most beautiful buildings on campus. And one of the most beautiful libraries in the U.S. The long tables create room to spread out study material and get out of those uncomfortable school chairs. This is where the real studiers go. There’s absolutely no talking or food or drinks. This makes it incredibly quiet. But if you need peace and quiet, this is the place to go.
Other options: Jones second floor, SUB third floor, Foster study room, Mars McLean second floor
Best outdoor gem: Garden of Contentment
Pros: Quiet. Shady.
Cons: Location. Spot for non-Baylor people.
The Garden of Contentment is just that—a peaceful place for anyone who needs to escape the classroom, dorm, or library. Located right next to Armstrong Browning Library, this garden is a great place to meet a friend for lunch, study between classes, and rest. There are a few tables and benches, which are usually not filled. And there are a few outlets in the trees—Baylor knew what they were doing. Note that there might be kids on a fieldtrip or other non-Baylor people there. (Who can blame them—it’s a beautiful spot.) The Garden of Contentment tucked away at the edge of campus, making it secluded and generally quiet.
Other options: Marina, SUB trees, Bear Trail
Best place for a dance party: parking garages
Pros: Spacious. View of campus.
Cons: Occasional cars.
The best study break or random Friday night activity is a dance party. And there are several parking garages around Baylor that make this possible. Plus, you can blare the music from your car, making it even more fun. Try Garage Mahal for the most space and the fewest cars.
Other options: Dorm room, Fountain Mall, Jones cubicle
Best social study spot: Common Grounds
Pros: Chill vibes. Coffee. People. Music.
Cons: Distractions. Noise level.
Common Grounds, or CG as it’s affectionately known, is the ultimate socialization spot. You can’t go five minutes without seeing someone you know. This makes socializing take up more time than studying. There are so many first dates and tourists around you that there seems to be constant entertainment. And that’s OK. Hit CG on an afternoon before a concert and you might get to listen to the singers practicing. Grab a coffee, listen to the hum of people talking, and (try to) study away.
Other options: Moody Garden Level, SUB, Foster first floor
Best dining hall: East Village
Pros: Food quality. Variety.
Cons: Location. Crowded.
This is debatable, I know. There are too many dining halls and too little time. Brooks has freshness, Memorial has comfort, and Penland has variety. But East Village is a constant source of good food. It’s not your mom’s quality, but it is usually fresh and simple and edible. These all give it a reason to top the list. It is close to Foster, the SLC, and BSB, making it an easy place to grab lunch in-between classes. Hit it on smoothie day or when there’s good frozen yogurt, and that’s a plus. But there are some days that Memo will top East Village. Whatever it takes to avoid Wing Wednesday at Penland.
Other options: Brooks, Memorial
Best place for double-tapping: Bear Trail
Pros: Long route. Typically a lot of people.
Cons: Hit or miss.
Double-tapping makes Baylor interesting, to say the least. But sometimes it’s a great stress reliever and just plain fun. Take a loop around the Bear Trail to find some strangers to double tap. You’ll cross the runners on their evening jog and the studious folks leaving the library for a dinner break. Take a detour by Penland and Martin to hit all the major dorms. (There are usually people in front of those.) If you have no idea what I’m talking about, just wait.
Other options: 10th Street, Panhellenic building, intramural fields
