If you ask a URochester student where they like to study on campus, there are basically an infinite number of answers you might receive. Even in my third year, I am still discovering new corners and spots to “hit the books”. Personally, my ideal study location depends on what exactly I’m doing. Sometimes, I need absolute quiet and other times I’m looking for a more social study space, but no matter what, there’s always somewhere on campus that seems to just fit my needs. Here is a quick look at a few of my personal favorite spots, and when you might find me there:
Bridge Lounge
If I had to pick one spot that some URochester students are ride-or-die for, it would be Bridge Lounge. Located on the fourth floor of Wilson Commons, Bridge Lounge looks out over Hirst Lounge and gives a great view of the quad. It’s bright, open, and even gets hot when the sun shines through the windows inside WilCo. Bridge Lounge is my favorite place to stop between classes when I have a few minutes to spare for homework. It’s also right above Starbucks and the Pit, so Bridge Lounge’s high tables are a great spot to review before an exam while sipping on a coffee or grabbing lunch with friends between classes. I know my friends love to study here earlier in the day when settling into other library spaces feels like too much of a commitment between classes.
Periodical Reading Room
The Periodical Reading Room is one of the most classic study spots on campus, but you’ll rarely hear it referred to by its full name. PRR, as it’s almost exclusively known among students, is a quiet zone within Rush Rhees Library. As an avid Harry Potter fan, I love the Hogwarts, old academia vibe of this space. For me, PRR is where I go when I need someplace quiet, but don’t want to be locked away alone in the library stacks. The long tables make it easy to sit with friends, but the pin-drop silence makes it hard to get distracted by side conversations. PRR is my go-to for Sunday night homework when I want to concentrate but also want some company.
Art and Music Library
I first discovered the Art and Music Library during my sophomore year. While some of the larger study spaces tend to be chilly, I can always count on A&M to be warm and cozy. The space isn’t too large, so it can fill up, especially in the evening. I love to grab dinner with friends and study at the big tables in here. A&M does close a bit earlier than some other spaces, so it tends to be one of the spots I use for afternoon study sessions. I usually try to snag a table with one of the coveted armchairs, but there are also individual desks which can be nice too.
This library also has a printer and desktops that come equipped with tons of software, which is amazing for design and music courses. One of my other favorite parts of this spot is the puzzles. There is almost always at least one puzzle on one of the tables. Anyone can add pieces as they come and go, and I love coming back after a few days and seeing the progress students made across the week.
Q&I
Q&I is the first space you enter when you walk through the front entrance of Rush Rhees off of the quad. It has a mix of booths, circular desks, high-top tables, and long wooden tables. Personally, I think Q&I can be hit or miss, but it’s such a popular spot that I felt it had to be included on this list. One thing this spot can be counted on for is spotting a familiar face. I used to feel overwhelmed walking in and seeing the tables full of groups of people. As I got more comfortable on campus over the years, my appreciation for Q&I has grown. Now, I love going to work on group projects or sharing a booth with friends. However, this is definitely a spot that I go to for more socializing and homework that requires a little less concentration. I always spot someone I know or stop to talk to a classmate, but I love that URochester students use the library spaces to just hang out. Having academic spaces where students want to be and that are actually integrated into student life is so important, and Q&I is definitely where I see that on our campus.
Welles Brown Room
My all-time favorite study space on campus is the Welles Brown Room. This is definitely where I go to romanticize cramming for an exam or spending all night in the library. Tucked into the right side of the Rush Rhees entrance, it’s easy to miss. If you can manage to pry open the heavy door, you’ll see that this room houses a fireplace, couches, huge armchairs and long dark tables. It’s my favorite spot to run through flashcards, write blogs like this one, or do pretty much anything related to academics. I have spent many hours curled up on one of the couches here, willing my brain to retain information for an exam. However, a word of caution: I know many students, including myself, who have fallen asleep for hours on those same couches. Welles Brown is a great spot to check out, but be careful if you’re running low on sleep during finals because it’s also a prime spot for a nap.
