When professors start casually throwing around the word ‘midterm’, you know what that means: it’s time to hunker down and start studying. It seems like everyone’s already got their go-to spot and so it’s daunting when it’s time to find yours. Especially now since this is the first round of exams for our first-year Badgers (welcome!), it is important to give them a quick lay of the land. Here we have a guide to UW Madison students’ favorite study spots and what they say about you.
College Library (Helen C. White Library)
This library is located right on the shores of Lake Mendota, so if views are an encouraging factor for studying this is the place for you! Although it may be crowded, College Library offers many different areas for studying to meet your needs 24/7. If you are a solo studier, head to the third-floor west room and you will find community tables or cubicles to get that grind on. Or if you are a collaborative thinker (aka you like to think out loud, a lot) go to the second-floor open area which has a chattier vibe. On your study breaks you can head down to the café on the first floor to stretch your legs and fuel up!
School of Human Ecology (SOHE)
There are a couple different study spaces around the SOHE building that all have a peaceful and zen vibe. When the weather is nice, there are a few different outdoor areas that you can enjoy. But inside, there is a cafe on the second floor that has more of a bustle to it as students are always walking through. There are also art and design specific studios for practical studying. If you bring a friend to study with you (or make one!) you can stretch your legs on study breaks by exploring the themed bathrooms all around the building!
Memorial Union
If Memorial Union is your favorite place to study, you like a little bit of everything. Take advantage of the beautiful view of Lake Mendota while the weather is still nice by sitting outside on the terrace. This is the perfect place to get some solo reading done! When the weather isn’t cooperating, there is much to see inside! You can sit in the Lakeview Lounge or sit in Dar Rathskeller for that German Pub community atmosphere. Secret tip: Head to the second floor for a more historical setting with a quieter crowd.
Cafés by the Capital
If you need an escape from campus, walk up state street by the capital for a change of pace. Collectivo, Wonderstate, Ancora, Fair Trade, and Michelangelo’s offer some great coffee and food selections to keep you fueled and focused on studying. These spots are for someone who prefers some background noise other than silence or music and the potential for eavesdropping - no shame! If you choose to go on a Saturday during farmer’s market season, prepare for an influx of people by getting there early and staking out a prime spot.
Memorial Library
When you study at Memorial Library, something has gone terribly wrong. You have procrastinated to the point of needing to use the cages in this library to lock your mind’s focus on studying and studying alone (literally alone). There are no distractions here, only you and the daunting task of cramming all the studying you let slide into one study session.
Wisconsin Institute for Discovery
If you want to feel one with nature as you ferociously write that 20-page essay, the Discovery building is a study spot that offers scenery you just can’t beat. Aldo’s Café has many tables if you want that chill café vibe, with added tables outside when the weather is nice. Otherwise cozy up with your laptop in one of those comfy Wisconsin red chairs to get your study on (RIP Saffron).
Wisconsin Historical Society
Calling all my Harry Potter fans! This study spot is popular with Badgers who love dark academia vibes. Long tables with those classic green banker lamps sprawl across a huge room with insanely tall ceilings. Don’t let the no food policy or early closing hours stop you! Plan ahead, drink water, eat up, and start studying early – that way you have the rest of the day to celebrate all the hard work you just did!
One Alumni Place
Another spot with all of the views you need, (not to mention every WASBs favorite spot!) is the Alumni Association. With gorgeous views of Lake Mendota, much like that from Memorial Union or College Library, you can enjoy a silent and low pace environment. Did you hear that? All of the lakeside views yet none of the hustle and bustle of some of our campuses' more famous hot spots. So grab your coffee and enjoy your study in a cozy and friendly environment.
https://www.alumnipark.com/visit/one-alumni-place/
There are great study spaces hidden all around campus, and while this is just one list of ideas, we hope you find it helpful. Whether you like background noise or silence, solo or group study, inside or outside, on campus or off campus, it’s time to get your study on and here’s where to do it.
By Zoe Sattar
All-Campus Party Marketing Rep, Blog Co-Chair
