As exams and midterms are suddenly upon us, the infamous Club West (wink, wink) is already packed with students. I’ll be honest with you, I like the nooks and crannies and blank walls that make homework look comparatively fascinating. I really do. I like the dead silence beyond the first floor, and the quick access to Starbucks (my wallet not so much).
However, studying at any of the libraries on campus gets old. We attend a school lucky enough to have a beautiful campus, not to mention a well-stocked list of places perfect for reading that dusty piles of books you bought at the beginning of the semester or writing that essay you keep putting off. Need a new study spot? This list is for you.
1. The Reitz Union Amphitheater
Located right next door to the Reitz, the outdoor amphitheater is always one of the first things tour guides show prospective students because it is absolutely gorgeous. Calm, peaceful and close enough to Orange & Brew and Freshens that you can grab a snack, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a sunny Florida day along with your stacks of textbooks. Take a blanket and study outside while enjoying the view.
2. The Hub
I know what you’re thinking — that’s just where we all splurge on Starbucks and Chick-fil-A in between classes, right? The untapped resources of the Hub include the study rooms towards the back as well as the quiet areas around the study abroad office. If you get there during the day for a free period or two, you can usually snag a spot. Starbucks also has an adorable lobby area that has quiet music and soft lighting — the perfect on-campus coffee house for all your studying needs.
3. Weimer courtyard
For many of you, Weimer is simply a cut-through between the North Lawn and Stadium Road, but if you check out the area past the staircase (don’t worry, you can’t miss it), you’ll find a quaint courtyard that goes completely untapped. With plenty of tables and an almost unheard-of peace and quiet, it’s the perfect place to stay awhile.
4. Racquet Club Cafeteria
Like to spread out? The Racquet club has plenty of tables and stays pretty quiet when it isn’t mealtime (so stay away between the hours of 12 a.m. and 1 p.m. as well as 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.). Pick a quiet corner or booth and study away; you can even refuel at Moe’s or Chomp It.
5. Bryan/Stuzin Hall courtyard
Check out the courtyard areas around Bryan and Stuzin Halls — the business college is lucky enough to have some beautiful landscaping and plenty of areas to sit and study unhampered. It’s a beautiful area that definitely says “relax.”
6. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Turns out the Swamp is good for more than housing the most talented team and the most spirited fans — it can also be a great place to read a chapter or two. Unless there is an event going on the stadium is always open, so check out the upper deck chairs or claim your own bleacher section. The openness and relative quiet provide a great study environment, and I can’t think of a more motivating spot.
7. Lake Alice
Usually, Lake Alice is simply the backdrop for my run to the gym, but it also happens to be beautiful. As we inch towards spring, the area will be perfect for a little study session. Picnic tables and benches located all along Museum Road allow you to appreciate both the view and your homework.
Take advantage of our amazing campus and your grade will thank you, I guarantee it.
