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Campus Guide ’17: Eight great places to sit down and hit the books

Students+collaborate+at+the+UA+Main+Library+on+the+second+floor.+Both+the+Main+Library+and+the+Science-Engineering+Library+contain+quiet+and+silent+study+spaces+in+addition+to+cooperative+group+environments%3B+some+individual+study+rooms+can+be+checked+out+on+a+first-come%2C+first-serve+basis.
Ian Green

Students collaborate at the UA Main Library on the second floor. Both the Main Library and the Science-Engineering Library contain quiet and silent study spaces in addition to cooperative group environments; some individual study rooms can be checked out on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For college students, studying is a way of life, but sometimes the motivation to dive into homework is hard to find. Studying in the wrong environment can lead to procrastination or distraction. If you’re in need of a study spot, read the following list of eight great places to study around the UA community.

UA Main Library

The main library is always a safe bet for studying. It’s on campus, full of resources and even has private study rooms for reservation. If your laptop battery is getting low, charging stations are plentiful, and if you need to print something CatPrint kiosks are scattered throughout.

The library is a productive environment for students. “I personally feel like studying at the library is a must,” said Dallas Jones, a UA psychology major. “It’s away from home and distractions; you just plug your headphones in and get to work.”

A Starbucks is also right next door, and studying can be done there if you don’t mind some background noise. The main library is available to students 24 hours a day, which make it a great place to study no matter what time it is.

Student Union Memorial Center

Studying on campus isn’t limited to the library. Another good study spot is the SUMC. If you’re crashing and need some caffeine, many pick-me-up options such as The Scoop and the CatMart are nearby, and the many restaurants there are good places to grab a bite. Depending on the hour, you could either grab a meal from Papa John’s or pick up some brain food from Nrich Market.

Whatever you decide to fuel your body with, the SUMC has plenty of seating options — the third and fourth floors even have outdoor seating for those wanting to study with some fresh air.

RELATED: Campus Guide ’17: Concert venues highlight the city’s music scene

Think Tank

If you need some help with your classes, the UA offers Think Tank tutoring to all students. It’s a great resource for brushing up on math and science skills as well as polishing writing and language skills. Think Tank has drop-in tutoring, or you can schedule an appointment.

While drop-in tutoring with other students is free, private tutoring for an individual or a small group can be had for a fee. Think Tank is accessible across campus thanks to multiple locations.

Starbucks at Main Gate Square

For those who need caffeine to get through their work, the Starbucks on University Boulevard is close and can provide a constant supply of coffee. Studying at Starbucks ensures that you’ll have not only have access to java and snacks, but also free wireless internet.

Caffe Luce

If you can’t get enough of the coffee shop environment, Caffe Luce is another great choice. Located close enough to campus to use UA Wi-Fi, this quaint café has delectable pastries and a variety of coffee drinks to help you through an evening of cramming.

If you’re looking for the same great coffee a little farther away from school, a second location is located in downtown Tucson.

UA campus outdoors

Many students choose to do their studying on grassy areas under trees or on benches and tables lining the buildings around campus.

Some popular spots include the area behind the Modern Languages building, the grassy hill outside of the Administration building, the tables at Old Main or the benches lining the path near Park Avenue and University Boulevard. These are quiet places for reading or studying while getting the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin D.

RELATED: Campus Guide ’17: Advice for navigating the road to living off-campus

Shot in the Dark Café

Night owls can find themselves a second home at the Shot in the Dark Café. This spot is open 24/7, hours that students with serious workloads can appreciate.

The cafe is a great location to study late at night, with good coffee, an internet connection for your devices, and even a full menu to order from regardless of the hour.

Scented Leaf Tea House and Lounge

Students who don’t drink coffee can enjoy the Scented Leaf’s terrific student atmosphere. Open until 9 p.m., this tea house has comfortable seating inside or out and affordable refill options for their wide selection of teas and mixed drinks.

Besides serving pastries and tea, the Scented Leaf also offers board games for those wanting to take a break from studying. While the cafe is close enough to campus to use UA Wi-Fi, it also has its own wireless network.

“One of the things that makes this a great place to study is that we have really great workers,” said Max Kelley, a barista at Scented Leaf. “We are all here to make the best teas for everyone that comes in and we don’t interrupt anybody and people can come in and feel at home and sit back and relax and study since what we have here is a really great and homey vibe.”

Aside from finding the perfect study location to suit you, another essential tip is to not bury yourself in last-minute homework. Make sure to rest your brain by taking regular breaks from the books, and get a full night’s rest when your work is done.


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