Whether you are at Boston’s second top of the Hub in StuVi II or slightly more grounded in the basement of Mugar, finding a place to study that meets all of your needs can sometimes be a little tricky.
If it’s peace and quiet you seek or a more noise-friendly zone to work as group, lots of comfy chairs to stretch out on, or just a place with enough outlets to support your iPod, laptop, and cell phone charger all at once, different spots throughout the campus are simply waiting for you to hit the books.
The Quad has ranked the coolest places to cram in West, Central and East campus based on the following six criteria to help you to choose the best place according to your tastes and location.
StuVi I Student Atrium
It may not be as high-in-the-sky as it’s newer counterpart StuVi II, but StuVi Classic can claim one of the top spots to study for finals. With stunning views of the Charles River and the downtown skyline, this is the perfect spot if you are looking for a quiet and picturesque study area.
Speaking above a whisper will get you ‘shushed’ here, so working alone or with one or two friends rather than a big group is best. The spa
cious room offers plenty of light for reading, and a few couches if you need a nap.
Other amenities include bathrooms and a drinking fountain, as well as easy access to the 10 Buick Street Café downstairs if you’re in the mood for some brain food.
Good if you live near-West Campus
Level of Quietness- Very Quiet
Internet Access- Wireless or via Ethernet plugs throughout
Available Outlets- Lots, there are about two outlets for every one student.
Space to Spread Out- Lots of big chairs, couches and tables with chairs
Hours- Students living on campus can swipe into the building 24/7
If the Student Atrium sounds right up your alley but you want a change of scenery, other West Ca
mpus options you may want to check out are: StuVi II 2nd floor study lounge, 1019’s 1st floor study lounge, StuVi I basement study rooms, or the Gilbane study lounge in the College of General Studies.
Mugar Memorial Library
From the dark, silent realms of the basement to the colorful, cozy chair-filled space of the PAL study lounge on the third floor. Mugar offers a number of great places to study alone or with a group, and most of the time you will find quiet corners to read or write that final paper.
Mugar has a plethora or resources if you need to do some research or check out books for a project, and also hosts a print center, a scan and copy center, and the IT Help Center just in case your computer crashes.
And during this finals period, Mugar even has a shuttle van to take you home after a late-night study session, and runs from midnight to 6 a.m.
Good if you live near- Central Campus, South Campus
Level of Quietness- Very quiet in some areas, noisy in others
Internet Access- Wireless or via Ethernet plugs throughout
Available Outlets- Lots: Areas with desks have one plug for each student, larger areas have two or more
Space to Spread Out: Abundance of individual desks, tables for groups, and couches scattered throughout the building
Hours- 24/7 for all students starting today, Friday, April 30. (Ends Saturday, May 9, at 11 p.m.)
Other areas to consider nearby: 2nd floor study area of the GSU, BU Central, the Back Court, School of Law study areas, or the Late Night Study Center in the General Classroom building at 750 Commonwealth Ave.
Shelton Hall, 9th floor
If panoramic city views help you memorize French terms better, head to the 9th floor study lounge in Shelton Hall. Formerly one of the first Sheraton hotels, the top floor of Shelton Hall was once used as the ballroom and held mostly special events. A small stage and wooden dance floor were left in place in one part of the study room, which may prove useful if you need to practice for a final in CFA.
The lounge is not usually crowded, and provides a calm atmosphere for studying, complete with unobstructed views of the river.
Shelton’s dining hall is located on the first floor of the building so you don’t have to travel far for a bite to eat, and is close enough to fast food restaurants in Kenmore Square or along Commonwealth Avenue.
Good if you live near- East Campus, Bay State Road
Level of Quietness- Fairly Quiet
Internet Access- Ethernet plugs and limited wireless
Available Outlets- Good amount, about one per student
Space to Spread Out- Numerous tables and chairs
Hours- Students living on campus can swipe into the building 24/7
Similar study lounges in the area include: 1st floor study lounge of Myles Standish Hall, basement of 1st floor of Danielsen Hall, and the study lounge in 575/The HoJo.
this actually really helped me. i think i might head over to Stuvi I tomorrow to finish this final portfolio i still have due. thanks!