Where do Penn students study?

Everyone has their own study preferences - some need silence, others want noise. Some people find one spot they love and stick with it, others need a frequent change of pace. Luckily, there are tons of different spots to study on and around Penn’s campus, encompassing all types of environments, from silent to social. Here are some of the most popular:

The Libraries: There are three main libraries where undergraduates study. Van Pelt, the biggest library on campus, has a variety of different spaces for students to choose from. There are completely silent spaces like the Shakespeare Library on the top floor and the Reading Room on the first, as well as more social areas where talking is common. Students can work in the stacks, and they can also book group study rooms (GSRs) to work with others. The Fisher Fine Arts library is beautiful and has super academic vibes. It’s also a quiet library and is a great spot to go when you really need to be productive. Lastly, Biotech Commons has big, modern study spaces with tons of natural light, and is located near the med school campus. 

Academic Buildings: While libraries might be the most obvious places to go for a study session, many of Penn’s academic buildings also offer great spaces for individual and group work. Huntsman Hall hosts Wharton classes but has a big study lounge on the ground floor open to all students. Many other buildings have smaller study areas, or GSRs that are available for students to book. One of my go-to spots is the lobby of PCPSE (our political science and economics building), which features really comfortable booths that are always in high demand.

Coffee Shops: For those who prefer a bit of background noise while they work, there’s a plethora of coffee shops on and near campus. Among other options, there are three Starbucks in the area, including one on campus that takes dining dollars! There’s also a student-run café called Williams Café which is a popular spot for students in between classes and, my personal favorite, a shop called Saxbys which has good coffee, a nice atmosphere, and both indoor and outdoor tables.

Outside: When the weather is nice, it’s common to see groups of students studying at the tables scattered around campus -- on Locust Walk, High Rise Field, near College Green, near the bio pond, the list goes on. You might even see students with picnic blankets set up on the grass. It’s a perfect way to study with friends and enjoy campus.

 - Lucy K.