Where to study in style
The ultimate Syracuse study spot survival guide
Photo credit: Maia Simmons
As a college freshman, I was eager to step on campus and live out my Rory Gilmore dreams under a study tree. Unfortunately, I’ve found that a tree is not ideal for studying. Trunks are uncomfortable, people are loud, and in Syracuse, it’s either raining, snowing or the wind is blowing your papers away. Finding a study spot that has both a productive environment and an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere is challenging but utterly crucial to my pursuit of being an “academic weapon.” Ranked on both of these categories, here are the study spots I’ve tried so far.
Bird Library: An obvious pick, yet so much variety! I personally enjoy any table by a window, usually on the second or third floor.
Productivity: 10/10. You can always count on Bird Library to summon your “lock in.”
Vibes: 7/10. The brutalist architecture is definitely not the cutest, but we love her all the same.
Pages Cafe: Getting a breakfast sandwich with a meal swipe from 8-11 on weekdays?! Say less. Even though Pages is in Bird, it feels separate in my books–the feeling of snagging an empty cafe booth with a friend or two can’t be beat.
Productivity: 8/10. It’s hard not to be distracted by the hustle and bustle!
Vibes: 10/10. Whether it’s a calm morning or a busy night, the vibes of a cozy cafe always hit.
Carnegie Library: Make sure you don’t come here with a cold, because you will get looks if you start coughing–I can attest from experience.
Productivity: 10/10. The rows of tables and desk lamps, combined with complete silence, leave no room for distraction.
Vibes: 10/10. I mean, I literally have Carnegie Library saved to my Pinterest boards.
Food.com: Newhouse student or not, it’s hard to resist a YAYA’s burger and those wide booths!
Productivity: 5/10. There’s just so much collaboration and networking happening in Newhouse central! Try some tables on the 3rd or 4th floor of Newhouse 3 for a quieter spot.
Vibes: 8/10. Fabulous vibe for group “studying,” not so fabulous for getting a lot done.
Schine: Food & study spots? Yes please! I personally love the third floor of Schine—cozy seats with a gorgeous view of campus.
Productivity: 9/10. Sometimes you can’t grab a table, and those fold-over desks don’t always cut it.
Vibes: 10/10. Nothing can beat that view!
Quad: The ultimate Rory Gilmore spot. With the warm weather fleeting away, I highly encourage finding a comfortable tree surrounded by brightly colored leaves in front of the beautiful Hall of Languages while you can still enjoy it. Bring a cozy blanket to sit on to avoid the risk of grass stains!
Productivity: 6/10. You can only be comfortable sitting against a trunk for so long…
Vibes: 10/10. Pretty hard to beat the aesthetic of a HOL study tree!
Starbucks at the corner of Sadler and BBB: With indoor or outdoor seating, a little coffee shop is always reliable.
Productivity: 8/10. Make sure you have some noise cancelling headphones; otherwise the chatter of long lines can be distracting!
Vibes: 8/10. Cozy, but it’s no Carnegie Library.
People’s Place: Did you know there’s a little room with tables and chairs right next to People’s Place? My new hidden gem!
Productivity: 10/10. Usually pretty empty!
Vibes: 9/10. Very dark academia.
Egger’s Cafe: Another recent discovery of mine–very convenient before or after class in Maxwell!
Productivity: 10/10. Also a typically quiet/emptier spot!
Vibes: 10/10. A view of Crouse? Yes please!
Edited by: Sofia Westerman