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The Essential Guide to Central Campus Study Spots

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A detailed tour of 6 spots that boost productivity

—By Ryan Esker, Hudson Mizgalski, and Sam Farber

Looking for a study space but don’t know where to go? Maybe you want to hit a new spot on campus but are afraid it won’t have everything you need? If so, here is a list of 6 study spaces that each have distinct upsides. 

Hatcher South study carrels
Do you need to get away from all the noise? Maybe your roommates are distracting you with their constant playing of Mario Kart at full volume in the living room. If that’s the case, you might want to check out the private study rooms in Hatcher Library located on the south side of the building on floors 3-6. Each floor has plenty of these semi-enclosed rooms complete with a chair, a window, a desk, and power outlets to keep you and your device going for hours. These spaces are perfect for a student in need of a spot to simply get stuff done.

  • Building hours: 
    • (Mon-Thurs) 8 am-12 am 
    • (Fri) 8 am-5 pm 
    • (Sat) 10 am-6 pm 
    • (Sun) 1 pm-12 am 
  • Noise level: Silent
  • Availability of seats: High
  • Privacy level: High
  • Food/drinks for purchase nearby: No, but there is a water fountain on each floor
  • Power outlets: Yes
  • Nearest bathroom: Bathrooms located on each floor 
Photo of a Fishbowl desk, taken by Sam Farber

Angell Hall Courtyard, A.K.A. “The Fishbowl”
If you are looking for an open space to do group work, a space to come to directly before/after a class in Angell, Mason, Haven, or Tisch Hall, or an extra computer screen to get your work done, The Fishbowl is the perfect place. The Fishbowl is located on the ground floor of Mason Hall, and its open space layout includes office-style partitioned desks as well as plenty of tables, chairs, and couches. This spot can get busy, but for good reason, as it sits in the heart of student life on Central Campus. 

  • Building hours: 
    • (Mon-Thurs)  Open 24 hours 
    • (Fri) 12 am-11:30 pm 
    • (Sat) 10 am-11:30 pm 
    • (Sun) 10 am-11:59 pm 
  • Noise level: Loud
  • Availability of seats: May vary by time of day
  • Privacy level: Low
  • Food/drinks for purchase nearby: Vending machines on the first floor of Mason Hall 
  • Power outlets: Yes
  • Nearest bathroom: Bathrooms on the first floor of Mason Hall 

Ross School of Business
If you’re feeling indecisive about whether or not you want a quiet study space or if you need a place to study the entire day, Ross might be the place for you. Ross has a wide variety of study spaces and cafés that make it the perfect destination for a long day’s work. From study rooms to open atriums, Ross has it all. If you’re sick of the University’s gloomy buildings, Ross’s modern design lets in a large amount of sunlight, which promotes productivity.

  • Building hours: 
    • (Mon-Fri) 7 am-10 pm 
    • (Sat) 7 am-6 pm 
    • (Sun) 9 am-10 pm 
  • Noise level: Mixed
  • Availability of seats: Low
  • Privacy level: Mixed
  • Food/drinks for purchase nearby: Vending machines on the first floor, Starbucks, Seigle Café, and Seven10east Café
  • Power outlets: Yes
  • Nearest bathroom: Bathrooms located on each floor

School of Kinesiology Building, A.K.A. “The SKB”
Located on the Northwest part of the Diag, the SKB is the closest building on the Diag to downtown Ann Arbor. This makes the SKB the perfect building to study at if you’re studying with friends or planning on getting a bite to eat after. With a large atrium space, seats that overlook the atrium, and a lot of natural light, the SKB is always full of life at any hour of the day. 

  • Building hours: 
    • (Mon-Fri) 7:30 am-10 pm 
    • (Sat-Sun) Closed 
  • Noise level: Loud
  • Availability of seats: May vary by time of day
  • Privacy level: Low
  • Food/drinks for purchase nearby: Vending machines on the second and third floors
  • Power outlets: Yes
  • Nearest bathroom: Bathrooms located on each floor 
Photo of 3rd floor Shapiro, taken by Ryan Esker

Shapiro Undergraduate Library, A.K.A. “The UGLI”
Conveniently located on the Diag, the UGLI is never a bad place to stop for a study break. Whether you are looking for access to a printer or computer, or in need of a quick pick-me-up from Bert’s Café, this library is the hub for resources and comfort for any student. A newly renovated third floor offers natural lighting and comfortable seating, making this a great place to settle down and get work done. Whether you are looking to pull an all-nighter, seeking a quiet corner to concentrate, or need an open space to collaborate, the UGLI caters to every type of student. 

  • Building Hours: 
    • (Mon-Thurs) Open 24 hours 
    • (Fri) 12 am-6 pm 
    • (Sat) 10 am-6 pm 
    • (Sun) 10 am-12 am 
  • Noise Level: Loud (Basement) → Quiet (4th Floor)
  • Availability of Seats: High
  • Privacy Level: Low, however, bookable meditation and study rooms are available. 
  • Food/Drinks for Purchase Nearby: 1st Floor Vending Machines, Bert’s Café
  • Power Outlets: Yes
  • Nearest Bathroom:  Bathrooms on each floor
Photo of South Quad basement, taken by Ryan Esker

South Quadrangle basement
If you’re looking for a place to grab a meal and get some work done, look no further than South Quad. “It’s always quiet and not a lot of people know about it so I am always able to find a spot,” says sophomore Austin Proos. Nested right under the dining hall, the South Quad basement offers convenient and available seating, perfect for students looking to get some work done in between classes, or after eating at the dining hall. With its cozy atmosphere and proximity to great food, the South Quad basement is an ideal spot for students to be productive. 

  • Building Hours: 
    • (Mon-Thurs) 7 am-9 pm 
    • (Fri) 7 am-8 pm 
    • (Sat) 7 am-2 pm, 4:30-8 pm 
    • (Sun) 9 am-2 pm, 4:30-9 pm
  • Noise Level: Quiet
  • Availability of Seats: High
  • Privacy Level: High
  • Food/Drinks for Purchase Nearby: Dining hall, and vending machines
  • Power Outlets: Yes
  • Nearest Bathroom: In the basement

Regardless of whether you need a quiet place to write an essay or are working on a group presentation, Central Campus has plenty of study spots for you. Don’t be afraid to explore, as going to a space you have never been to before can spark excitement in the repetitive cycle of student life. Who knows what will happen if you visit one of these spots for the first time. Maybe you will meet a new friend, or possibly find a new romantic interest. Finding your go-to study spot can transform anyone into an exceptional student.

 

Feature Photo of Hatcher South Study Carrels by Sam Farber