One’s college years will likely be marked with memories of going on adventures with friends, ordering pizza at 2 a.m. and enjoying every bite, and unfortunately, endless days and desperate nights of studying. But fear not – there are many comfortable spots throughout campus that make the mundane task of studying a little easier. 

During my time at the University, I’ve found that the best study spots often have food within reach, a nice view and many, many outlets to plug in all of your electronics. Thankfully, all University students are granted access to wireless Internet on campus, so that’s not a factor you’ll have to consider. With these thoughts in mind, below are some of the places that I’ve grown fond of during my college career.

Funk ACES Library

With its colorful carpeting, large windows and selection of cozy couches and desks, this octagon-shaped library provides a welcoming environment for students seeking solace as they begin the wearisome chore of studying. Most of the desks have outlets built into them, a major plus for those needing to use their computers for hours on end. I became an avid ACES library-goer freshman year because of its close proximity to Florida Avenue Residence halls, where I lived. My favorite spot in the library is on the second floor next to the windows at one of the desks, where the sun often seeps in. It’s nice being able to look up from my textbook and look out at the South Quad every so often to remember that life isn’t so bad, even if there are seven more untouched textbooks sitting in front of me.

Illini Union

The Illini Union is the epitome of the perfect study place. There are so many rooms inside the Union that I probably haven’t come close to exploring them all. You’ll often find people who are not only studying but also sleeping in the Union between classes. Some of my favorites are the south patio, the Courtyard Cafe and the Pine Lounge. I love studying outdoors at the patio’s blue tables at the beginning of the school year when the weather is still somewhat warm. If you’re lucky, you can get a table near the few outlets available on the patio. The Courtyard Cafe is another great place to study, especially with groups. It has numerous circle tables, an Espresso Royale and a main stage where there are sometimes performers playing music throughout the day. While the Courtyard Cafe is more social, the Pine Lounge provides a quieter environment to focus and study on your own. Other great places to check out in the Union are the South Lounge, the vending room and the basement.

Espresso Royale

While there are eight Espresso Royale locations in Champaign-Urbana, my personal favorites are the ones at 602 E. Daniel St. and 1117 W. Oregon St. The multi-leveled coffee shops provide a cozy and relaxing atmosphere for studying. Their close locations to campus make them convenient places to grab a coffee and study between classes.

Main lounges in residence halls

One of the joys of dorm dwelling is being able to meet up with friends in the lounge when you’re wearing your pajamas. While you still can show up at the library dressed in pajamas if you really want to, dorm lounges still bring a sense of comfort and community that no other study spots can replicate. It’s nice recognizing the people in the lounges and being able to ask each other for help on school work when you need to. And if you forget your textbook or spiral, your dorm room is just a short walk away. It’s also nice not having to worry about getting back home after a late night of studying.

Undergraduate Library

The UGL is where I spent most of my time studying last year. I usually opt for one of the cubicles on the lowest level of the UGL (even though the lack of socializing and sunshine can be depressing) because I usually end up getting a lot of work done. For those yearning for sunshine in the underground library, you can pick a spot with windows near the courtyard, which is at the center of the UGL and where the library wraps around. Students are expected to be quiet on the lowest floor but are allowed to talk on the main floor. The UGL also has an Espresso Royale; those craving caffeine can bring their coffee into the library as long as its in “spill-proof, covered, plastic or metal containers,” according to its website. One of my favorite times to go to the UGL is during finals week, when they bring in therapy dogs to help students relieve stress.

Alison is a junior in Media. She can be reached at [email protected].