As the first month of classes comes to a close, I’ve started to settle into campus life and found new spots to frequent. College work versus high school work is vastly different, causing me to make a new study routine. As I’ve been exploring campus in order to find the perfect spot, I thought I’d share some of the favorites.
The Busy Spot: Burge Lounge
Each residence hall has a main lounge on the main floor. I live in Stanley Hall, where we have our own lounge; however, I find that Burge is a great place to study.
When you walk into Burge, you’re greeted with the main lobby, which includes Burge Dining Hall, Clinton Market, and the Burge front desk. Right in the middle of the room is a stairway leading downstairs to where you’ll find study spaces, a maker space, and more. There are comfy couches, chairs, tables, and collaboration spaces for all to enjoy. I personally enjoy using the space with friends and taking up a nook of the booths.
I will say, the downside to Burge Lounge is how busy it gets. Usually, it’s difficult to find a spot to sit, especially when you’re with a group. Most often, I go during slow hours, like early morning or late evening, and there’s not too much trouble to find a space. During lunch and dinner hours, all I can say is good luck.
The Casual Spots: Currier and Stanley Lounge
As I’ve said before, each residence hall has a lounge, and I live in Stanley Hall. Stanley and Currier Hall are connected, so every resident gets to enjoy the amenities of the other. Both Currier and Stanley have recently renovated lounges, and are perfect for late-night studying when you don’t want to bother your sleeping roommates. Each is decorated with comfortable chairs, tables, and whiteboards- perfect for studying. It’s also great when you don’t want to leave your residential building. A lot of times, I find myself needing a different place other than my dorm to study, but I don’t want to make the walk to any other spot, so the lounges are perfect.
Each floor in Stanley Hall has their own individual small lounges as well. I LOVE staying in mine due to the amazing view of the river and Hancher Auditorium, along with studying with your floor-mates. I’ve met a lot of my neighbors through studying in the lounge.
The “Lock-In” Spot: Tippie BizHub
In the Pappajohn Business Building, Tippie has their BizHub, a spot to study, grab a snack or drink, and lock in. They have the third floor dedicated to their cafe and louder environments, while if you go up to the fourth floor, you’ll get a quiet place to study.
I personally love this location because of the environment and comfort of BizHub. The chairs, tables, and spots to study are comfortable and ergonomic, making studying a lot better. You don’t have to be a business major either- they won’t check. Any major is welcome into Tippie to study, regardless of what you’re doing. I always head up to the 4th floor because I personally like quiet and less busy areas to study, but I know some people love the third floor because of the cafe-like feel to it. Overall, this is a really popular study spot, but a really good one nonetheless.
The Pretty Spot: Art Building West
This one is my personal favorite. With my art major, I’m at the art buildings on the west side quite often, and I always go to ABW to study.
Inside ABW is the art library, where you’ll be surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows and books galore. I love studying there because it’s insanely gorgeous, has amazing seating for studying, and overall, it’s just amazing to be at. It’s really convenient when I have classes on the west side. Outside also has gorgeous seating near the pond, along with shade. I love studying there as well. It’s also less talked about and busier, so you’re likely to find a place to study.
And there are still so many more to explore! Each building on campus has a designated study spot, regardless of major, so you’ll always find a place to study wherever you go. Each place you study at will be worth your while. Thanks for reading!
