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When looking for places to study at UF, Marston Library and Library West are often the first places that come to mind. They are some of the biggest, most popular libraries on campus that many UF students use as their go-to place to study. Although these are both great options, there are also many other little-known places that can be the perfect study space. Whether you’re preparing for a big exam, meeting for a school project or just looking for a quiet place to sit and relax, here are four places around UF you may not know about.
Duration of Walk: 26 minutes
The Education Library
The first stop of the tour is the Education Library, which is tucked away behind Norman Hall. Located on the edge of campus, the Norman Hall area is a beautiful, out-of-the-way place away from the bustling center of campus. On the way to the library, you’ll pass by the historic architecture of Norman Hall and the smell of freshly brewed coffee coming from Opus Coffee, where you can grab a cup before a long study session. In the center courtyard you’ll find the stairs leading up to the entrance, but you can also stay outside, where there are plenty of benches shaded by the surrounding trees. Inside there are two levels, with a grand, brick staircase leading to the second floor and plenty of space to find somewhere to open a book or review some notes. Walking around either level of the library you’ll see plenty of tables and couches, which can be an excellent place to meet with friends or a comfortable place to settle down after a long day of classes. There are also divided desks with a large desk space for when you need solitary time to focus on class assignments. In addition to that, there are multiple study rooms throughout the library that can be checked out if you find yourself in need of a place to meet for group projects or study groups.
Architecture and Fine Arts Library
Across the street and towards the right, you’ll eventually make your way to the Fine Arts courtyard. Surrounded by the multiple Fine Arts buildings, the courtyard itself is a great place to sit and study. A broad open area with a few large, overarching trees and many benches to sit on, it could be a great place to study outside and get some sun during the colder fall and winter months. Walking through the courtyard and towards the right is Fine Arts Building A, where the Architecture and Fine Arts library is located. Going through the front entrance and up the staircase to the left, you’ll find the small, cozy library. Though small, you will often still find it roomy with many spaces available, one of the many perks of these less-frequented study spots. Inside, there will be a few tables with many chairs to sit at; however, the most interesting parts of the library are the two structures in the center of the room. At the bottom of the structures are several individual cubby-like desks that block out all distractions, like being in your own bubble for a snug, personal study space. You can also walk up steps to the second-story of the structures and find extra seating with dividers for even more private study space.
Pugh Hall
Making your way from the Architecture and Fine Arts Library and past the Plaza of the Americas, you’ll quickly find your way to Pugh Hall. Although not a library, this inconspicuous building serves as an excellent, exceptionally quiet study area that’s near some of the busiest places and buildings, so it can be a convenient place to stop by before or after your classes. Located just behind Turlington Hall, it is a smaller building with only a few classrooms. Despite this, there is plenty of space to sit and study throughout the building, and it is often so quiet you can hear a pin drop. There are several tables on the first floor right near the entrance to sit at, as well as many chairs surrounding the top floor that could be a great place to study. However, the most unique aspect of Pugh Hall is the benches embedded into the staircase up both sides of the stairs. There are two benches facing each other with a table in between, which creates a cozy nook that is a magnificent place to meet for a group project or when you need a quiet place to focus when studying for an exam.
The Reitz Union
Walking past Marston Library and on the sidewalks through the long stretches of grass, you’ll come right up to the enormous Reitz Union. Although the Reitz Union is definitely not an obscure part of campus, it’s also not a place many students think of if they need to find a place to study. That being said, there are plenty of quieter places within the Reitz Union that serve as excellent study spaces. The first place would be outside, in the back of the Reitz Union. Walking down the stairs right near the front entrance and through the doors, you’ll find plenty of seating under umbrellas, where you can relish the warm weather while still staying cool under the shade. This all encircles around a pond, which serves as the perfect backdrop for a quiet and peaceful study session. Back inside, taking the elevators down to the lowest floor, there are several tables and seating available an arm’s length away from the printing lab, which offers free printing to all UF students. If you find the main floors too crowded or too noisy, this slightly out-of-the-way part of the Reitz Union is a great place to study or meet up with friends. Since there is so much to do in the Reitz Union, you can grab lunch or dinner in the food court after studying or even go bowling in the Game Room on the ground floor.
Time to Study!
The University of Florida has a vast, lively campus with many things to do and go explore. If you’re looking for a quieter place to wind down and study, however, there are plenty of those places on campus too. Whether it’s one of these four spots or a new, unique place you discovered yourself, you’re bound to find your ideal study space here at UF.
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