Top Ten Places to Study in State College
1. The HUB-Robeson Center
Spacious and diverse, the HUB is a great place to do some last minute cramming for your final exams. With tons of different spots accessible 24 hours a day, people with all different studying styles can utilize the HUB. Small cubbies upstairs are available for those who prefer to work in silence, while friends studying together or groups completing projects can use large tables and chairs on the lower floors. There are also many food and drink options available in the HUB, allowing students to stay and study for extended periods of time without distraction.
2. Starbucks
A very popular place downtown, Starbucks’ everywhere are known as good work spots. Both locations in downtown State College are always packed with students on their laptops, reading, or holding meetings. Junior Megan Crouse (marketing and advertising) studies there often and likes the environment Starbucks provides. “They have calming music, good smells, and a soothing atmosphere;” she says, “plus, you can get a boost of caffeine whenever you want it.” The coffee shop is a Wi-Fi hotspot and offers and a variety of seating options in both locations.
3. Library
The most traditional of studying locations, Penn State offers many libraries on campus for students to make use of during finals. Paterno, Pattee and other branch libraries are available to students looking for a quiet place to get away. During finals week, certain libraries extend their hours of operation, especially the News and Microforms Library and Reserve Reading Room (also known as the Study All Night Area), which are open 24 hours.
4. Irving’s
Not only a great place for food downtown, Irving’s is also a prime spot for hitting the books. After loading up on their signature food and drinks, one can head into the basement and find lots of inviting seating areas and tables. Great for group meetings, as well as solo studying, Irving’s, located at 110 East College Ave, is an easy spot for people living both on and off-campus to use.
5. Days Inn
An unconventional spot, but a great one nonetheless. Kept secret by many of those who live downtown near Pugh Street, the Days Inn is a quiet and secluded spot to get some studying done. Many brothers of Sigma Alpha Epsilon utilize this spot as it is close to home, but away from the distractions of their house. “It’s so convenient, “ says Junior Tyler Coughenour (energy engineering) “there’s a waterfall and its usually pretty quiet. It’s a really cool place to study.” With Internet available and several tables in the lobby to work with, the Days Inn is an undiscovered gem in State College. “Don’t tell too many people about it, “ says Coughenour, “ it will get too crowded!”
6. Your own room
Don’t feel like braving the cold and travelling to a study spot? Your own room or apartment can be the best learning location of them all. Surrounded by familiar things, many people are more at ease studying at their own desk. The fridge stocked with your favorite study-break snacks and staying in comfortable clothes can make that last minute cramming all the less stressful. If this is something you would like to do, try and coordinate schedules with your roommate(s) so that you may have the place to yourself without interruption.
7. Pollock Lab
Known for its testing lab and large array of computers, Pollock Lab is another place to get some work done. This is a very popular spot, and during finals week it is sometimes difficult to find a free computer. Once settled, students can do research, write papers and print out documents all in this quiet, yet busy spot. Throwing on headphones and getting to work seems to be the method of choice when scoping out the room. Open 24 hours, Pollock Lab is another great place students can use to their advantage.
8. Findlay, Redifer, Pollock, Waring and Warnock Commons
Each residence hall complex on campus offers its own commons, which provide many rooms and other spots for studying. Some have large “quiet” rooms, as well as computer labs and group seating areas. With most studying areas open 24 hours, 7 days a week, the commons are a great go-to spot when you’re in a bind. For example, Redifer Commons was renovated to add more space for students to use and created a more inviting atmosphere. It also offers a 24-hour computer lab and indoor walkways to many of the dorms in South Halls. Conveniently located for those who live on campus, residence hall common areas are opportune spots for studying.
9. Zeno’s Pub
Before the crowds arrive, many bars and restaurants downtown offer a relaxed and convenient area for working as Zeno’s Pub, located at 100 W. College Ave, does. Providing high-speed wireless Internet to their customers, students can study and eat some good food while they’re at it. Plus, once the work is done, it’s a great place to meet friends for drinks!
10. Business Building
Although a bit out of the way, the Business Building is a modern and useful facility. Located near East Halls, the eye-catching building is known for its quiet and work-based atmosphere. Some students claim that because it is so far out of the way, the people studying there are usually looking for a place where nothing can distract them. Everyone in the building is usually very respectful of those working, making it a pleasant place for those with tough majors to do some serious studying. Junior Melissa Rossi (science and neuropsychology) says, “Because it is so out of the way, I’m always forced to stay and study until I am done.” Being far from home allows students to resist the urge to procrastinate or have their attention diverted from their work.
