I’m that guy who doesn’t realize he spends more money on coffee than groceries, alcohol and New York Times subscription fees combined until the bi-monthly angry-mother phone call after she audits my bank account. I’m also that guy who is distracted by anything that makes an audible sound — even if it is from my famed feline roommate or a Justin Bieber singing birthday card from my 21st birthday. 

If any of my habits sound familiar, then you probably relate to most University students — nocturnal and easily distracted. When 40,000 students are trying to be the next world-famous alumni such as co-founder of YouTube, Steve Chen, or inventor of the LED, Nick Holonyak Jr., finding a place to study proves difficult. 

Where can you go to avoid the temptations of Monday Night Joe’s all the way through Sunday night C-Street Drag Shows? Better yet, where can you go where half the school isn’t already?

5. Main Library

Yes, that’s the above ground library. As one of the largest academic libraries in the country, the Main Library probably has the book you’re looking for, with a Hogwarts-esque feel if you brave the Stacks. If you’re just starting a research paper due in three hours or are looking for that book for your literature class, or if you have an exam on tomorrow, this is the place to start. The Main Library houses sub-libraries such as Literatures and Languages as well as Social Sciences, Health and Education and even University Archives. Unlike the Undergraduate Library, Main Library inhabitants typically comprehend the role of silence, quietness and proactive studying rather than expressing it to a cell phone. Not to mention, most libraries within the Main Library have tables upon tables of potential spaces for study-hungry squatters.

4. Espresso Royale

If you don’t come across at least one then I would be just downright concerned. With prime spots in the Undergraduate Library, Business Instructional Facility and Illini Union, your caffeine binges are fully supported and convenient for students in either of the twin cities. The other two campus establishments — in Champaign on Sixth and Daniel streets and in Urbana on Goodwin and Oregon streets — offer cozy atmospheres with coffees, teas and pastries galore. Seriously, if you haven’t had their Italian sodas or vanilla lattes, you should probably re-evaluate your priorities. Both offer two levels of seating and Wi-Fi so that you aren’t reconnecting to UIUCnet every 20 minutes. Also, this is probably the better alternative to working on group projects or conversing with friends without the fear of being called out in a library for excessive chatter or more importantly — FOOD. 

3. Caffe Paradiso

Tucked away on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Nevada Street, Paradiso offers cakes and pastries, coffees and teas and even build-your-own sandwiches with vegan and vegetarian options. Eighty percent of the cafe is tables and booths. It’s a comfortable distance away from the Quad and even further from the dorms, giving you motivation to stay long enough to finish the work you convinced yourself you would already have finished. Perhaps a bit expensive, but to be surrounded by food, coffee and dessert, what more would I need to get me through a study-induced breakdown?

2. ACES Library

If you passed geometry in high school, then you have correctly identified this building as the octagonal ACES Library. With five stories of study space and a computer lab in the basement, you have no excuses not to study here. And no, nobody will yell “THEY DON’T EVEN GO HERE” if you’re not an ACES student. There’s adequate light when you’re questionably still there at 3 a.m. and massive windows to reinforce that there’s a world outside the library. There are also study rooms if you need to collaborate or just want more privacy for your venting sessions. My personal perk: printing. The basement computer lab offers black and white and color printers for last-minute paper corrections and forgotten deadlines. 

1. Illini Union

My second home. It’s historic and right in the heart of campus. While many people prefer the Courtyard Cafe equipped with an Espresso Royale, dozens of tables, live performances and TVs, I prefer the basement. Not just because it’s home to food establishments such as Einstein Bros. Bagels, Crepe De Licious and Sbarro, but when I can overcome my food addiction, it’s a guaranteed study spot. Grab a table in the back and get your stuff done! And if you’re feeling adventurous, take a seat at one of the couches scattered around the building, also famous for making students unintentionally fall asleep in awkward and uncomfortable positions.

Adam is a senior in ACES. He can be reached at [email protected].

Editor’s note: A previous version of this article incorrectly said massage therapy was offered in the Illini Union. The Oasis is no longer located in the Illini Union. The Daily Illini regrets this error.