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Onward & Outward: Study Spots

For the past few weeks we’ve been taking you outside the confines of State College to explore a number of different day trip opportunities in the area. This week, however, we know that you’re swamped with finals, and leaving the library is probably out of the question, right? Not so fast. With a little bit of exploring, you can find the perfect new study spot on campus, away from the crowds during finals week, and we’re here to help you. With the help of some of our readers, we’ve compiled a list of some of the lesser known study spots around campus. Let us know if we missed your favorite spot in the comments below.

HUB Study Rooms (via @Ms_Tammy_Ross)


I had no idea that these rooms existed before they were recommended to us. There are two conjoined rooms which are accessed behind the large seating area next to the HUB gallery on the second floor near the auditorium. The rooms were completely silent when I entered, and although there were people there, it shouldn’t be hard to find ample desk space. Bonus: directly above Panda Express.

IST Building Lobby (via @__emily___)


We’ve all walked under or across the bridge-like IST building, but did you ever stop inside? On each side of the building you will find large lobby areas with tables and chairs complete with nearby power and mobility ports. The areas are generally quiet, although sound does carry in these large spaces. The good news, however, is that since you’re in the IST building, you’ll never have to worry about spotty internet like you will in the HUB.

Alumni Garden Gazebo (via @caitlinjoyrush)


While this spot may not be the best idea due to the rain in the forecast this week, it is definitely a spot to look for in the future. The gazebo provides a tranquil study setting complete with the soothing sound of rushing water from the nearby pond. The gazebo is also outfitted with electrical outlets to keep your laptop charged. A weak wireless signal can be picked up from nearby EE East, which should be fast enough to access ANGEL documents but slow enough to keep you off of Facebook.

Architecture Library


This spot is a personal favorite of mine. Located in the SALA Building behind the Palmer Art Museum, this quaint library provides a comfortable study spot for any student. With a number of tables and computers, as well as comfortable chairs lined against large windows facing into Hort Woods, there are a number of different study setting opportunities here. In addition to the public areas, there is also a small group study room that can be reserved. Due to its vicinity to the Forum, it’s a great place to study before your final for that large lecture class.

Pasquerilla Spiritual Center lobby couches (via @danamray)

While this spot is more prone to put you to sleep while studying due to the comfortable nature of the couches, it is an extremely quiet and relaxing setting to get some studying done if you’re not sleep deprived. Also, there’s the added bonus of the nearby spiritual facilities in case you find yourself in need of prayers to pass your exam.

Upper Floors of the HUB (via @LNVNelson)


Everyone knows about the comfy chairs on the second floor of the HUB, but these areas can become very crowded and noisy. Fortunately for you, they had extra chairs, and they decided to put them upstairs away from the noise (author’s note: I don’t think that’s really how it happened). There are small sitting areas at each end of the atrium on the third and fourth floor of the HUB, as well as various desk areas to work at. These areas are almost always quiet, but spaces can go quickly.

Irving’s Basement (via @__emily___)

Venturing off-campus to study can be risky, especially since the consideration for those looking for some peace and quiet greatly diminishes once you leave the academic setting of campus. One safe haven, however, is in the basement of Irving’s. Here you will find a number of small tables as well as a few couches. Grab a turkey sandwich and a Joe Papaya smoothie and you can look forward to a quiet, enjoyable, and delicious afternoon of studying.

Schlow Library (via @eandrewsrice)

Everyone knows about all of the study rooms in the Pattee Library, but no matter how secret you think your room is, there will always be someone else there during finals week. If you enjoy the serenity of the library but don’t feel like dealing with the crowds in Pattee, make a move to the Schlow library downtown. With plenty of tables and desks, you won’t have any trouble finding a place to study, and while you may be interrupted by an occasional children’s story time, it’s still better than trekking up 4 flights of stairs, only to find that your favorite study spot in Pattee is taken.

So there you have it, some brand new study spots to explore this week. If you have other suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments below!

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About the Author

Eric Weiss

Eric is the Visual Editor, and a Photographer for Onward State, originally from Pittsburgh, PA. He is currently a 5th year student in the B.Arch program at Penn State.

Likes: Apple Products, Canon Products, any music Pitchfork tells me to listen to.

Dislikes: conversations via Facebook wall-to-wall, #hashtagsthataremorethanthreewords

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