Hidden Gem Study Spots on Campus: Student Perspective

Studying in the same spot consistently can get boring and monotonous, making it harder to focus and learn. Doing work in different environments can help with focus, retention, and creativity.

The closing and extended renovation time of Beeghly Library has opened my eyes to different places to study around campus and has helped with my overall performance. After searching campus for uncommon places to get work done, here are three of the best spots that I have found:

3rd Floor Merrick Hall

As this is mainly used as a conference room for presentations and events, the top floor of Merrick provides a quiet, airy spot to focus on some midday schoolwork. Couches and padded chairs provide comfortable seating, inviting you to stay a while, as well as a ton of natural light and a neutral color scheme to keep your mind at ease. The space serves as a great spot to get your mind right before class, a presentation, or just a midday break.

Branch Rickey Lounge

As an athlete, I spend a lot of time in the Gordon Field House/Branch Rickey Arena during the winter. On the second floor of the Branch Rickey Arena is a lounge area for athletes on the go who need to get some work done before practice or training. The design of the open-air room is Bishop themed and provides a cool environment to get work done as a student-athlete. The space is easy to miss if you are not looking for it, but a great spot nonetheless. 

Zook Nook

This area may not be a ‘hidden gem’, but rather a ‘hidden in plain sight gem’. The Zook Nook, located in Hamilton-Williams Campus Center (HWCC), is wildly underutilized by OWU students, as it provides a prime location for studying. Between the academic and residential sides of campus, the Zook Nook offers a great environment for focus, with a large workspace in the middle and comfortable seating that surrounds it. 

The next time you are in a rut with the same old study spot, give these a try!