Finding the perfect spot on campus can be a journey because sometimes you like background noise, other times you like solitude, and then there are days when you have to be somewhere where snacks are readily available. No matter how you like your study spots, I’ve got some tips for you and some places that might just appeal to what you need!
For those who like to romanticize studying, appreciate the decor, and are comfortable with background noise; I recommend Millie’s as a go-to spot. With plenty of seating choices to choose from, you can kick back in a swivel chair, get back to the classics at a booth and table, or have a bird’s eye view at one of the high tops. Millie’s is always giving trendy coffee shop vibes, with the sun shining in the floor-to-ceiling glass windows and an ambient faux fireplace. Having studied at Millie’s before, I appreciate that I can get comfortable and focused but not feel so alone. You almost always see a smiling face or someone you know. You’re also not far from any of the delicious drink or food options they have to offer. I recommend bringing a pair of headphones if you want to observe the hustle and bustle but stay on track with your work. There are also plenty of plugs available for your technology! And you can’t forget the important part that you’re nestled right in the library if you need to grab a resource or print something out! This is one of the most popular places on campus to get work done.
If you want peace and quiet, your own space, and no one to bother you; check out the Study/Zoom rooms. The majority of these rooms are located throughout the library and have been designated as quiet spaces where you can isolate yourself to do work or take Zoom meetings. Private study rooms 101, 103, and 106 are across from the Technology & Media Service Desk in the basement level of the library. As a student, I’ve noticed that most of the basement level is quieter than most other places on campus. Voices are usually kept at a whisper, and people choose to keep to themselves. The Makerspace is near this area with a private room that includes a jamboard. That’s also another great place to study on your own. The Writing Center and Tutoring Center are located in the basement of the library so you can get any help you may need! With a lot less foot traffic than Millie’s upstairs, you’re likely to have an uninterrupted study session.
If you need to catch a quick study session close to class; you’ll have the best luck working in one of the many areas in the academic buildings across campus. If you’re in Peckham Hall for math or science, check out the area near the tutoring center. With big windows, lots of natural light comes into this building, the perfect fuel for morning or afternoon textbook reading. There are a ton of different little rooms dispersed across this building with comfy chairs, no one to disturb you, and whiteboards for diagrams! I enjoy the Peckham lobby for studying because of the greenery! In the warmer months, the wooden tables out front make for a great view of campus.
In Smyth, there is a great lounge on the second floor. Tucked away in two different alcoves, there is individual seating or group tables. Throughout this building, there are little study rooms where you can close the door and have some quieter study time.
York Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute (YWRI) has some of the best places to study on campus. Lining the second floor are work rooms, comfy chairs in the lobby, small study tables, and more. Downstairs on the first floor, there is an area past the computer lounge with plants and high-top tables, often where the PT, OT, and SLP students are looking at materials in between classes. I say this is the best place to study because this building is home to the offices where Tilly, Rosie, and Orion can be found!
If you need some study companions who are also furry friends, check out the InterProfessional Animal-assisted Wellness (IPAW) study lounge! Located in the basement of Smyth you can find the dogs here during set hours of the week. There are often snacks, a nice comfortable bean bag, and a couch!
The Golisano Academic Center (GAC) has the largest number of study rooms on campus besides the library. On almost every floor of the building, there are open study areas with high-top tables, benches, or chairs. There are also academic lounges like the psychology department lounge or the school of education study rooms. In the basement of GAC, there are booths, larger tables, and small places to sit located near microwaves and a brand-new food vending area.
If you want to multitask; studying in the Golisano Training Center (GTC) has everything you need. If you want to hit a quick lift or workout class, you can study before or after at one of the many spots around the training center. There are tables located right across from Cafe Nine where you can grab a smoothie or a snack. It’s awesome that there are little study spots here because it’s open nice and late!
If you don’t like traveling far; take an adventure around your Res Hall and find one of the many common areas to get studying. Kearney has a new and updated lounge area with an entire room dedicated to studying or group work. Lourdes has lounge areas on each floor that have been recently renovated as well! O’Connor is similar with small lounges on each floor and then one larger new lounge! This spot is awesome because occasionally you will be interrupted by a football game or The Bachelor streaming night that will give you the perfect excuse to take a break! There are tables in this lounge that have whiteboard tops you can draw on!
