The best campus study spots you never knew about

Finals week is here, and students flock to the usual spots to get their studying done. The couches at Panasci Lounge are great, but you risk procrastinating by people-watching or napping instead of cramming for that astronomy exam. Avoid the fight over outlets at “Club Bird"; the intimidating silence of Carnegie Library; and check out these lesser-known study spots on campus where you can actually get some work done. Good luck!

The Safire Room

Take the elevator up to the 6^th floor of Bird Library, and you’ll come across a hidden gem on campus—the Safire Room. A stark contrast from the lower floors of Bird, it boasts ornate light fixtures, lined book shelves, and emerald green carpeting. You are certain to feel scholarly here. Although tables can fill up fast, if you time it well, it is the perfect quiet spot to finish an assignment. Next door, you can even learn about the history of Syracuse University’s Sherman typeface!

Haven Hall study lounge

Flooded with natural light, this curved study area is the perfect place to hit the books. It was previously a dining hall, but was converted to a spacious student lounge in 2014. There are plenty of large tables to go around, so it's great for group projects.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

This small library is located on the third floor of Sims hall in the African American Studies Department. It began as a student-founded space in the 1970s with one shelf of books, but now the library offers an impressive collection on the African diaspora and more. It has enough background noise to help you focus, but to not be a distraction from your studies. Try to spot the framed letter from Martin Luther King Jr. himself!

Ernie Davis Hall study lounges

Not only do Ernie residents get air conditioning in their rooms, but they have amazing study lounges on every floor. Enter before 8 p.m., and head to the 6th or 9th floor as they have the best views of campus. Studying is best with a great view of Crouse – it’s a little reminder that all those papers are worth it.

The ICE Box

Even if you’re not an iSchool student, the ICE (innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship) Box is perfect for working on group projects. The collaborative environment is very “Googley” and helps get the creative juices flowing! There are colorful couches; floor-to-ceiling whiteboards, so you can scribble to your heart’s delight; and a large TV and projector, so you can pull up your presentations. The ICE Box also hosts some interesting networking events with industry professionals.