The Best Spots on Campus for Every Type of Study Session

There’s a varied spectrum of study styles and moods; sometimes I need a silent environment, but sometimes I want to be surrounded by other people. No matter your preferences, Penn has got a spot for you!

The midterm cram session:

Need a place to really hunker down and get your work done? Van Pelt is the obvious choice. Every Van Pelt frequenter has strong opinions on their favorite floor: some say the 6th is super quiet, while others are partial to the basement. Try out the different floors to find the best fit for your study mood. Pro tip: reserve a GSR or booth ahead of time to get a quiet, private space. Other solid options are the Hill study lounge and Penn Museum Library.

The unproductive, yet fun group study session:

If you’re anything like me and my friends, group studying usually means we talk more than we study. For a chatter-friendly spot, I recommend Panera, Houston Hall, or a high-rise rooftop lounge!

The “romanticize-your-life” study session:

Fisher Fine Arts Library—duh! The red hues, ornate windows and wall carvings, as well as the domed ceiling, give off major light academia vibes! It’s like a little slice of Hogwarts right here in Philadelphia.

The “coffee shop” study sesh: 

There’s certainly no shortage of Starbucks and Dunkins around campus, but for insta-worthy pics and pretty decent coffee, there’s some better alternatives. United By Blue has a cozy ambience and plenty of seating. Bonus: you can fuel your essay writing with one of their vegan treats! For more minimalistic vibes, Joe’s Cafe is a great spot to work. The best part? They take dining dollars!

The “gotta get out of my room” study session:

There’s nothing quite like studying outside on a sunny day. Besides the laptop glare and lack of access to outlets, studying outdoors is the best way to take advantage of the few days of good weather. Lucky for us, Penn has a ton of green spaces! In the springtime, I love to set up shop in the corner tables tucked away by Annenberg because it’s surrounded by tulips! Other great spots are the bio pond, high rise field, and the tables next to Fisher Fine Arts.

Spruce up your studying by trying out a new spot. Who knows! It might amp up your productivity and become your new go-to!

-Jules P.