It is time to finish the fall 2025 semester strong. Finding a place on campus where you can really focus on what you need to focus on is optimal.

To help with this, I have ranked ten study spots on campus to see which ones are great for studying and which ones not so much.

Some of the things I look for in a good study spot are as follows:

• Little to no distractions: You cannot focus if there are constant distractions around you, such as noise.
• Good Wi-Fi: Most of the time, you cannot do homework without Wi-Fi.
• Comfortability: A comfortable environment, especially a comfortable chair, is crucial for focusing on work.

Shocker Hall LKLs

1/10 – This is a decent spot, but it appeals more to students living in Shocker Hall than others, seeing that it can be about a short walk or elevator ride from their dorm rooms. Besides that, there is also constant noise from the laundry rooms and the kitchens being consistently used. Also, the Wi-Fi is hit or miss, and the spaces are usually busy with residents.

Outdoor picnic tables outside Shocker Hall

2/10 – Studying outside can help reduce stress and improve focus. However, this is only beneficial with the right weather. I found studying at the outdoor picnic tables by Shocker Hall to be beneficial, but I wish it were not as cold and windy outside.

RSC (first floor)

3/10 – There may be a lot of seats and tables, but there are  also a lot of people and noise. That can make it difficult to focus. Events are always happening. People you know are there, and if they are, you are going to want to talk and hang out with them rather than get your work done. Also, the Wi-Fi and cell service can be spotty from time to time. Therefore, the only criteria this meets for a good study spot is comfortability. It’s a great place to hang out. Not really a great place to study.

The Office of Student Engagement and Belonging

4/10 – If you do not mind the slight noise of office business, the Student Engagement and Belonging Offices have great couches, chairs and tables where students can relax and also work hard. This space is open to all students. However, it’s sometimes crowded with other students trying to accomplish the same goal.

The Promise Bridge at Woolsey Hall

5/10 – Hearing the water lapping in the lake below the bridge provides a calming atmosphere for studying. The Wi-Fi is good. The only issue with this space is the weather conditions, but that depends on the day it is being used.

Shocker Success Center: 2nd Floor

6/10 – I really liked the calm environment the center provides for students. There is plenty of comfortable seating, good Wi-Fi connection and students can focus decently well. However, there are people coming and going all the time. Even so, it still meets most of the standards of a good study space.

Woolsey Hall

7/10 – As a student living in The Flats on campus, I do not like walking across campus all the time. Sometimes, I want a place to study that is near my dorm. This fits that. The seats are really comfortable, and the internet connection is strong. However, it can also be overrun with business students and events at times.

The Ablah Library

8/10 – I find this to be a great place to study for finals. I could easily focus and accomplish a lot. All levels of the library had strong Wi-Fi connections, comfortable couches and chairs, and overall low sound levels. The first floor has more open space, reference, computers, and the circulation desk. The second floor has studios and a smaller study area. The third floor is known as the quiet zone because of the study rooms that take up the whole floor. This space meets all of the standards, but is pretty busy most of the time, especially on the lower levels.

Lounge on the fourth floor of Jabara Hall

9/10 – I never had a reason to go to Jabara until I discovered a lounge on the fourth floor. This spot is quiet, has fewer people trying to study all at the same time, and the Wi-Fi connection remains strong. This exceeds all the criteria for a great place to study.

Honors College Lounge

10/10 – The lounge in the Cohen Honors College provides a nice, quiet and calm environment for studying and locking in on homework. The seats are really comfortable, and the Wi-Fi works well. This space appeals to most honors students but is open for all mostly during the day. Honors students get an extra bonus with free printing. This meets all the standards for a good study spot. If I needed a spot where I can strongly focus on what I need to focus on, I would pick the Honors College first.