Exploring Spaces on Penn's Campus

Penn is beautiful – and bursting with wonderful places to explore. As a current first-year student, I have grown to love the variety of buildings and architectural styles which decorate Penn’s gorgeous campus.

Now, I absolutely adore looking for new places around campus to relax or to work. No matter what vibe you are looking for, there is always a perfect study spot for you. Let me introduce you to my top three favorite study spots — not listed in any particular order — so far!

1. Collaborative Study: Weigle Information Commons

Studying with friends is a great way to make work more enjoyable and productive – and Weigle is the perfect place to do it. Located on the ground floor of Van Pelt, Penn’s central library, Weigle Information Commons is filled with over 20 study rooms and booths. These noise-insulating rooms can be booked on Penn Libraries’ website, and are decked out with television screens, computers, and whiteboards for effective collaboration!

2. Geographic Convenience: Physics and Astronomy Library

Finding yourself with enough time to study or relax, but not enough to go to your favorite study spot? Sometimes, all we need is a cozy place that is close to where we need to be. As a student intending to major in Physics and Material Science, I often have classes and events in David Rittenhouse Labs (DRL) – and as such, the Physics Library is close and dear to my heart. The library is in DRL itself, and offers tables and couches for work or relaxation. Yet, consider yourself warned: I have on too many occasions abandoned work, having been distracted by the fascinating physics bestsellers proudly displayed on the library shelves...

3. Midnight Cram - Goldstein Undergraduate Study Center

I often procrastinate. That is a trait of mine I try to avoid, but admittedly still possess. Fortunately, on the off day where my homework time extends to past midnight, the Goldstein Undergraduate Study Center is open and waiting for me.

The study space is located in the basement of the Van Pelt library and you can stay there for as long as you want, even to the early mornings. Home to a dozen study rooms and countless tables, Goldstein also hosts Mark’s cafe, a self-checkout cafe with drinks, meals, and snacks both hot and cold. Goldstein makes the late-night study sessions – or as comfortable as those can be.

Honorable Mentions:

The Woodlands – an absolutely gorgeous expanse of field and forest to the southwest of campus. Imbued with rich history and adorned with gorgeous flora and fauna, The Woodlands is the perfect place for group or individual studying while immersed in nature.

Fisher Fine Arts – the completely silent study library. I was shocked upon my first visit to Fisher, having been astonished by its radio-silence and productive study. If you are someone who is distracted or stressed by noise, Fisher is the ideal spot to bring out your undivided focus.

- Tony T.