After a semester and a half of college under my belt, I have discovered that good study habits not only lie in how you study, but where you study. Sometimes studying in my room or the lounge can be effective, but also boring at times. Here are five places where you can study at UMD that you may not have considered previously.

1. Hornbake Plaza

This location is, unfortunately, underrated. I find that the plaza is often forgotten about because of McKeldin library, but it has the right level of noise to make it an effective study space. The fresh air and beautiful scenery will give you the ability to think and possibly bring out your creative side (if you have one)!

2. The Starbucks on Route 1

While Starbucks may be a place to meet up and socialize, it is also a place where I find that I can get a lot of work done. What's better than drinking some iced coffee while writing a paper? There are a sufficient number of tables to spread out at, and the noise volume is reasonable for a coffee shop. Plus, you can take some study breaks and people watch!

3. Academic Buildings

Many departments often have smaller libraries within the building, making it more convenient to go to after a class. For example, I have found that many of my classes are in the Art and Sociology building, and there is a library there that I enjoy going to. While it is small, it has many relevant resources and is a nice change of scenery from McKeldin.

4. Couches in the Stamp Student Union

I pass by this area almost every single day before class and have noticed that while it is in a social area, it is a pretty quiet area. The couches are also quite comfortable, and I have found that it is an effective space for me to do work, especially on my laptop.

5. The Top of South Campus Diner

Sometimes when I have a break in between classes, I am hungry but also need to get some work done. While dining halls are notoriously noisy, the "second floor" of the South Campus dining hall is almost completely silent, and I always find other students doing work there as well.