Boston is an incredible city. It has all the best in history, food, music and art and is home to some of the best colleges in the entire country. As students of Boston University, we have all of these opportunities available to us, yet we somehow get stuck in the "BU Bubble" of our little two mile stretch of campus. So, this study period when you're feeling like you just can't stare into that cubicle for one more second, pack up your books, pull out your CharlieCard and get out into that city for a little reminder of how lucky we are to call Boston home, while still working toward that passing grade!
1. Pavement Coffeehouse, Comm Ave
If you're not quite ready to get too far away from Mugar just yet, cross the street and head to Pavement Coffeehouse for an awesome way to shake up your typical study session. It's also great for group projects because of its relaxed environment and central campus location.
2. BU Beach
Or if the weather is nice take an iced coffee to go and meet some friends on the BU Beach! We only get a few weeks of warm Boston days before the summer and the beach is the perfect place to enjoy them!
3. Top Floors of 100 Bay State
Still on campus, but made at least a little bit more exciting by views of Fenway Park and the Charles River, is the "Yawkey Center for Student Services," more commonly known as 100 Bay State. The first two floors are, of course, the beloved dining hall, but above that are writing, career, and educational resource centers that have awesome lobbies with tables, comfy chairs, and beautiful views of Boston.
4. Newbury Street
One of the first stops after leaving campus is Newbury Street! One of the most relaxed (and prettiest!) parts of the city, Newbury will surely have a cute coffee shop or two to pop into for a few hours. A favorite of mine is Wired Puppy, located at 250 Newbury, between the Hynes and Copley T stops!
5. Boston Public Library
Right off of the Copley T stop is perhaps the best study spot a student could dream of! The Boston Public Library is home to thousands of books and resources, as well as quiet study halls where productivity is just in the air. The pictured room is Bates Hall, which is located on the second floor and is a favorite of many students.
6. The Courtyard
If Bates Hall is just a bit too serious for you, the courtyard of the Boston Public Library is a great substitute! There are little tables around a beautiful fountain, which serves as a relaxing environment to get you focused!
7. Boston Common
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The Boston Common is the center of the city and is always full of action on sunny days, but that doesn't mean it can't be a good study spot! Lay out a blanket and soak up the sun while flipping through your notebooks, and keep an eye out for dogs that might be able to serve as impromptu puppy therapy!
8. Christopher Columbus Park
If you like the park idea and are willing to venture further into the city, Christopher Columbus Park is an awesome option too! It's situated right in front of the wharf which ensures a pretty view and relaxing study session.
9. Thinking Cup, Hanover Street
Hanover Street is typically known for its Italian culture, but it also has a Thinking Cup! There are a few in Boston that are typically bustling, but since most of the traffic on Hanover is headed toward pasta and pastries, this little coffee shop is a great spot for a quiet, yet comfortable, few hours with the books.
10. Harvard
For those who are motivated by others, studying at Harvard might be something to try. Just the idea that so many great minds have studied in the same place might be enough to push you through the very last paragraph of that term paper. There are a variety of little cafes in Harvard Square (one of my favorites is Peet's Coffee) or you could check out one of Harvard's many libraries. The main one is Widener Memorial Library, located in the middle of campus.
11. Any Starbucks, Anywhere
Let's face it: Starbucks is always a winner. Every college student has a foolproof order at the ready, and there's always wifi, acoustic music, and free refills with your Gold Level rewards card. So basically, you could stay there forever. Some fun locations to try: West Campus, Kenmore, Copley, City Hall Plaza, Harvard Square.
12. Somewhere that's not as miserable as Mugar during finals week
In all my life, I have never seen a place as solemn, or even as aggressive, as Mugar during finals week. Stressed, sad and exhausted students fill every available chair until the wee hours of the morning and keep stacks of notebooks in the good cubicles to ensure they reserve their seats for days at a time. Do yourself a favor and find a place at least a little bit happier, and I promise, you will never look back. Happy studying!
