Ten campus study spots perfect for finals week

If you’re sick of being in the library all day, here is a list of ten study spots you may want to try instead.

Maya-Laura Vizcaino, Contributing Writer

Finding the motivation to study can be tough.

With finals only a few weeks away, the pressure to ace exams is higher than ever. If you’re tired of the same old study routine at the library, here’s a list of ten study spots on campus you may want to try out.

The trees by the Williams Administration Building

Not only is this area the coolest place to take some artsy pictures, it’s also the prettiest study spot on campus. The largest banyan tree on the lawn — closest to the administration building — makes for the ideal study spot.

It provides more than enough shade, and there are tables and benches underneath it as well. If you feel like reading or studying up high, banyan trees have thick, knotted branches that are perfect for sitting.

The Student Union, second floor seating area

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Leather massage chairs on Amazon: $2,000. Back massage while you cram for tomorrow’s exam: free. Maya-Laura Vizcaino | Contributing Writer

If your body is aching from pulling all-nighters, then this spot is perfect. This mini-lounge features two actual massage chairs with remote controls, so you can get a back massage while you study.

College of Education Building, second floor

This spot is ideal if you have loud roommates; the setup feels like a home desk, but you won’t get distracted. Maya-Laura Vizcaino | Contributing Writer

There are two small desk spaces with a comfortable chair and a window for some sunlight. It’s secluded enough that you have your own space, but not to the point where you feel isolated.

Located to the left of the elevators, this spot feels like a cubicle. You won’t be distracted either as this floor has no classrooms, only a few staff departments.

Breezeway Lawn by Sanson Life Sciences

If you’re feeling a lack of motivation, rent a hammock for a day and study between the trees; then, take a nap if you’re done with classes for the day. Maya-Laura Vizcaino | Contributing Writer

According to Jake Hessler, a junior accounting major, this spot is perfect for setting up a hammock to study. “These are the best trees for hammocks because they’re spaced perfectly apart,” said Hessler.

For a day, students can rent hammocks from the Recreation and Fitness Center for $5 and $8 for the weekend. For non-student gym members, it costs $10 for a day and $15 for the weekend.

Engineering West, first floor

Pictured (from left): Andy Vicente, Chris Lall, Mark Duque, Valery Romulus, Paola Arroyave. All are seniors studying civil engineering. Maya-Laura Vizcaino | Contributing Writer
Pictured (from left): Andy Vicente, Chris Lall, Mark Duque, Valery Romulus, Paola Arroyave. All are seniors studying civil engineering. Maya-Laura Vizcaino | Contributing Writer

This study spot features large tables with plenty of chairs for groups.

Andy Vincente, Chris Lall, Mark Duque, Valery Romulus and Paola Arroyave  — all seniors studying civil engineering — said they come here often to study and do projects together. Lall said, “The computers on the first floor have all of the designing software we need to complete projects, including software for designing pipes and roadways.”

Non-engineering students may also want to try out this area as the first floor is filled with unique designs — such as a large race car — made by engineering students. It’s a great place to go if you want to study in a creative environment that differs from what you’re used to.

College of Medicine, second floor

This floor is quiet, but also in the open; it’s perfect for people who just want to review for a few hours before their exam. Maya-Laura Vizcaino | Contributing Writer

The second floor of the College of Medicine is a much quieter place than most study spots. It’s mainly frequented by staff, since there are only offices and two large labs there, making it somewhat secluded and favored by students who prefer a quiet environment.

Roberto Gomez, a senior pursuing a bachelor’s in general studies, said he likes to come here to get away from the library for a change.

Engineering East, fifth floor

Looking out at the campus from up high is so much better than sitting in your room while you flip through flashcards. Maya-Laura Vizcaino | Contributing Writer

If you’re sick of being inside all day and you need some fresh air with a breeze, the fifth floor of Engineering East is perfect with its rooftop garden and patio. Brandon Wheeler, a sophomore studying entrepreneurship management and Aleiya Palmer, a junior studying geology, like to study here in the evening when it isn’t too hot outside.

The Cube, Engineering East

This is the perfect alternative to the library since it’s open until 2 a.m. and has a modern, colorful interior. Maya-Laura Vizcaino | Contributing Writer

The Cube is Engineering East’s own study suite. Located on the first floor, the suite has a few dozen tables and chairs, some secluded and some not.

It’s a quiet zone, which means it has the silence of the library, but a more comfortable atmosphere. There are some tables out in the open, as well as small cubicle-like areas for more privacy.

The Cube is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.

The garden in College of Nursing

Why memorize boring facts you’ll never use again on a regular chair, when you can do it in a rocking chair surrounded by flowers?Maya-Laura Vizcaino | Contributing Writer

This gem is an area many students don’t know about. It has rocking chairs and a bench for some quick studying when you’re tired of being indoors.

The bright yellow flowers in this garden make it difficult to feel stressed about upcoming exams. Who could feel down while sitting in a rocking chair with big, colorful flowers overhead?

Seating area by the College of Arts and Letters

The mural here really makes you feel creative and inspired, and this is one of the few outside study spots with padded chairs. Maya-Laura Vizcaino | Contributing Writer

This area is a favorite among drama and art students. The gigantic mural covering the wall makes it the most artsy study spot on campus.

If you’re experiencing writer’s block, or a lack of creative energy, this is the perfect place to get those juices flowing. There are about 25 chairs, making it perfect for large groups.

Being right next to the performing arts building makes it the ultimate spot to rehearse scenes as well.

Maya-Laura Vizcaino is a contributing writer with the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected] or tweet her @Mayavizcaino .