In the spirit of romanticizing college, curating the perfect study experience involves finding the right spot and drink. Each of the seven UF libraries has a unique flavor, and I’ve figured out the perfect drink and library combo so you can have the most aesthetic college study session.
Architecture and Fine Arts Library
If you’re looking for an unconventional experience, the Architecture and Fine Arts library is the one for you. It has super cozy café vibes, and the noteworthy double-decker carrels (essentially cubicles with desks) make concentrating on your work 10 times easier. If you need to tap into your creative side, there are art supplies and inspirations for your next work. This library is also silent, which means it’s easy to focus.
The coziest library deserves the coziest drink: a chai latte. Chai brings all the fall vibes and is the essence of curling up by the fireplace with a good book. You can pick up a hot chai at the nearby Starbucks in Marston Science Library or the Opus Coffee at the Row across the street.
Education Library at Norman Hall
The Education Library is the perfect combination of small and fun. There is a cheerful energy to the building with all of the creative resources and comfortable study spaces. Its quiet environment makes it a relaxed spot to settle in and get stuff done.
For a chill study session at the Education Library, I recommend a green tea pairing. Some students may opt for a stronger drink, but green tea balances the library’s zen energy. Find your zen at the on-campus Opus Coffee location in Norman Hall just a minute’s walk from the library — or grab a bottled green tea at the CVS a few blocks down on SW 13th St.
Health Science Center Library
The Health Science Center Library emphasizes wellness and provides many different study options, including group work spaces. The second and third floor have individual spaces, so you can focus on your work. It’s also known for its nap pods, where you can rest, take a break and recharge.
If you’re walking into this library — especially as a health major — you may already have enough caffeine in your system. Instead of a caffeinated and sugary drink, your best companion is a water bottle. In agreement to the library’s goal of promoting overall wellness, hydration is key. Pair a group or solo study session with some water. Purchase a plastic water bottle at the vending machine, or better yet, fill up your reusable bottle at the water fountain.
College of Law’s Lawton Chiles Legal Information Center
The College of Law is perfect for intensive study sessions. It offers legal study resources and study spaces perfect for focused individual study.
To aid with your all nighters and packed days, I would recommend espresso shots. While it might make you a little jittery, it’ll make staying awake to finish your readings and assignment a little more possible. You can pick up your espresso from the Einstein Bros. Bagels inside the college.
Smathers Library
Smathers is the classic library experience and has been open to students since 1925. Hosting a variety of historic pieces, special collections and exhibits, it’s an elegant and grandiose place to find yourself studying. This library is also an iconic piece of UF history, and I recommend going and exploring everything it has to offer.
Nothing pairs a visit to Smathers like an iced latte. While it is a little basic, you know it won’t disappoint. Make sure to check the rules about food and drink before heading in (eating and drinking are not allowed in the Grand Reading Room and Map & Imagery Library), but iced lattes and Smathers are a perfect, classic pair that won’t let you down. You can buy an iced latte from Starbucks at nearby Library West or at Dunkin’ Donuts on University Avenue.
Library West
Library West, more commonly known as Lib West, stands over Plaza of the Americas, making student life bleed into the library’s culture. Each floor has a completely different vibe, from coffee-shop energy to total quiet, which makes it really easy to accommodate whatever you’re working on.
The latest drink trend, matcha, is exactly what you should walk into Lib West with. Matcha is as much of a go-to drink as Lib West is a go-to study spot for students. It’s available at the Starbucks on the first floor.
Marston Science Library
Marston is the star of library study spots. This space is super adaptable to your study needs due to its volume level policies. If you’re working with friends on a project, find somewhere to work on the lower floors, but if you’re getting ready for a big exam or appreciate the quiet to focus, head further upstairs.
Therefore, none other than a Celsius is worthy of being the pair to Marston library. Perfect for almost any occasion, the fan-favorite energy drink will give you a boost of caffeine for whatever assignment you’re working on. The only thing as adaptable as Marston library is a cold can of Celsius, which you can pick up from any on-campus market.
Studying might be the most laborious part of college, so if you’ve got to do it, you might as well enjoy it. Get to know the libraries and resources UF offers and find the best fit for you and your study style.
Emily Moreno is a 19-year-old UF BFA dance sophomore.
