10 Best Study Places On Any College Campus

By Victoria Robertson on December 10, 2015

This article is brought to you by Kaplan, the leader in test prep for over 90 standardized tests, including the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT.

Finals are coming around quick, and with them comes the obligation to study for a semester’s worth of classes in a time span of about one week. To say that’s a stressful undertaking is being generous, and for the students about to embark on this journey, I salute you.

But I like to help wherever possible, so for those of you that tend to procrastinate or are easily distracted when studying, look no further: here are the 10 best study places on any college campus, perfect for everyone’s studying needs.

Photo Via: http://blogdailyherald.com

1. The school library

It’s everybody’s go-to, as it should be — it’s a quiet, relaxing place to study and nearly everyone is aware of its existence.

While the library is typically fairly empty up until finals roll around, come finals time, the place packs up, and quickly. So while this is the perfect place for your studying needs, it also might be too crowded, which has the opposite effect.

So either pick your times carefully, or find another place to study.

2. The local library

The local library has the same effect as the school library, only it’s usually less crowded.

The downsides? It’s typically much further away (probably not walking distance) and there’s usually a bit more noise — either young kids renting books or other, after-school activities going on.

Still, it’s a great alternative if the school library just isn’t cutting it for you, and if you need a breather and want to get away from campus for a little while.

3. Starbucks

While it’s usually very noisy, there’s no better place to get your caffeine fix and get in those extra hours of studying when you need them most.

The on-campus Starbucks (or other coffee houses, for that matter) are typically full, so going off campus is probably your best bet. So if you have a few extra bucks to spend on over-priced coffee, there isn’t a better place to do it.

Plus, you might just be able to knock out that last paper while you’re on your caffeine high. It’s a win-win!

4. Empty classrooms

While most students walk past empty classrooms during the day, this means that they are typically open for use.

If you come across an empty classroom on your way home after class, or while you’re walking to the library, stop and pull out your books and get to studying.

This is going to be the quietest option for you, and when you’re alone with nothing to do but study, you’re going to be the most productive as well.

5. Student union

Most campuses have a student union, typically equipped with comfortable furniture and plenty of study spaces.

Use them.

While the student union isn’t usually seen as the study place you must visit, it just might become your favorite. It’s usually quiet, there’s often coffee shops within it, and you’re going to get a lot of your studying done.

6. Laundry room

Yes, it sounds weird. Yes, it’s an awesome place to study.

The laundry room (either for your dorm or your apartment) is usually empty (since most students are too lazy to sit and wait for their laundry), and if it isn’t, the hum of the washers and dryers drowns out any outside noise.

So you’re going to have quiet time to sit down and run through those notecards again. Plus, you’ll get your laundry done if you need to.

7. The gym

It’s another odd place to study, but it’s one that more people should consider. The gym is loud, but there are so many sounds that it just becomes noise, and not all that distracting.

Everyone is typically minding their own business, so there isn’t exactly room for conversational interruptions, and you’re going to be able to get a workout in as well.

So while this is probably everyone’s last pick, that means it should definitely be your first.

8. Outside

If your climate permits, or if you enjoy sitting in snow, study outside!

For many, the fresh air will help clear your mind and motivate you to get things done. And for others, just being outside relieves some of their stress.

So if being outside helps you relax and focus on the work ahead of you, go at it! Winter or not, it’s going to be worth it when finals roll around.

9. A study room

A lot of students aren’t aware of this, but many libraries will rent out study rooms for the day, where all you need to do is book the room in advance.

This is great for planners that like to set a study schedule, as they can go about their day and then study during the times they booked in the study room.

This is also a great idea for students that have put together study groups, as it’s a place for everyone to talk freely, without distracting others, and a place where no one will be distracted as well.

10. The commons

Finally, there’s the commons. Everyone knows about it, and only few utilize it for their studying needs.

This is a great place to study, so long as you pick the right times. It can get busy during meal times and other high traffic times throughout the day, but later at night or earlier in the morning, this is going to be one of the most quiet places on campus.

So if you’re an early bird or a night owl, definitely consider this option.

So don’t say I never helped you! Good luck with finals!

Learn more about Kaplan’s test prep options and start building the confidence you need for Test Day.

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