Enjoy yourself while you can, because the time has finally come. Finals are just around the corner and seats in the library are starting to fill up fast. If you're like me, you can't get yourself to sit for hours on end in the library while the sun is shining through the windows, tempting you to give it all up and go tanning at the Rec Center instead. Don't get me wrong, the library definitely has it's perks with a Starbucks just outside and amazing study rooms to work in with friends, but the reality of it all is that I don't pay all this money to sit in a library for hours on end, especially when our campus is sunny and beautiful everyday.
So, here are the best of the best when it comes to study spots at the University of Arizona.
1. Highland Bowl
Located directly behind Highland Market and some of the dorms on Highland Avenue, Highland Bowl is always filled with people sitting, talking, tanning, and relaxing. Sitting out there on a bench and getting a paper done is one of the most peaceful and beautiful experiences you can have while doing school work. Being out there, surrounded by sunshine, grass, and fresh air, really takes away some of the agonizing pain you feel when you sit down to start hours of homework. Bringing a blanket or a towel out with you to lay on the grass is also a great idea if you want to add a little bit of comfort and peace into your dreaded homework assignments.
2. 4th floor of the Student Union
Now, this may seem a little bizarre, but it's usually pretty quiet up there and it's also a shaded area with tables, chairs, and a great view! Honestly, the top floor of the PSU is also a really great study spot with all of the same benefits.
3. Outside Starbucks at the library
A hack to being bored and dreary inside the library is to sit at the tables outside the Starbucks at the library. You still have access to Cat Prints and anything else you might need from inside the library, all while still getting fresh air and being close your caffeine refill at all times.
4. Koffler Building
These seats are limited, so if and when there's a table available, this is a great place to sit down and get some work done. And what are the perks? You're close to Highland Market and the SUMC for a snack if you need one, and you can always take a study break and enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, and even people watch if you're just that bored.
5. Next to the Arizona State Museum
So this may sound a bit random, but the long grassy areas next to the Arizona State Museum that lead all the way back to James E. Rogers Blvd. always provides shade from the sun, and it's beautiful scenery adds a little something something to your studies. Studying doesn't always have to be boring, especially if you're in such a scenic place like this one!
6. The middle of the Student Union
Unlike the top levels of the SUMC or PSU, the middle area between the Food Court and the Bookstore has a bunch of tables that are perfect for sitting down and getting some work done. If you're the kind of person who likes to do work in a place where things are still going on (unlike the library where everybody seems like they're ready to rip their hair out), then this is the perfect place for you! There are always tons of people walking to classes and into the Union through there, so people watching is definitely an option here, too.
7. The Scented Leaf
Although this is not technically on campus, it's fairly close to everything and has a cozy (and caffeinated) environment that's perfect for group or even individual studying. Plus, if you get tired of being cooped up indoors, you can always grab a table outside and bring your drink to go!
Now that Y'all have some prime study spots on campus, it's time to give up your Netflix binging and get out there. The light at the end of this semester's tunnel is shining brighter and brighter everyday, but in order to reach it, you definitely need to hit the books.