It’s sunny and 75 degrees. The trill of robins can be heard through an open classroom window and the wistful aroma of fresh cut grass and lilac blossoms hang heavy in the air, beckoning you outside. School’s (almost) out for summer but there’s one thing standing between you and barbecues at Wash Park.
Final exams.
They’re just around the corner and as the weather gets warmer, it can feel especially difficult to hunker down and get to work. Fortunately, with the help of your classmates, we’ve put together a list of the five best study spots on campus to help you end the quarter on a high note.
1. The Garden Behind Mary Reed:
Garden behind Mary Reed
Undoubtedly one of the most picturesque areas of campus, the garden behind Mary Reed Hall is so tranquil you won’t even realize you’re studying. Finance student Olga Arzhayev said, “DU has a beautiful campus with many scenic study spots but the garden [behind Mary Reed] is one of my favorites because there’s not a lot people and the running water from the fountain is soothing.” With towering trees, plush grass and peaceful ponds dotted with lily pads, the garden behind Mary Reed will make you think you’re at a spa instead of cramming for your accounting final.
2. The “Quiet Room” on the Top Floor of Anderson Academic Commons:
Quiet room on top floor of Anderson Academic Commons
It may not surprise you that the library is one of the best places to study on campus, but have you checked out the quiet room on the top floor? Second-year Denver MBA student Emily Masters said, “When I need to get work done, you’ll find me in Anderson Academic Commons’ ‘quiet room’ on the top floor. It’s full of natural light and completely silent in there; it’s peaceful and allows me to focus.” Plus, during finals week, Anderson Academic Commons is open 24 hours a day, so if you need to pull an all-nighter, you have a place to go.
Ruschmeyer Conference Room
3. Ruschmeyer Conference Room:
You may not associate conference rooms with studying but the Ruschmeyer Conference Room on the third floor of Daniels (north side) is the perfect spot to spread out or gather for group projects. Second-year Denver MBA student Brad Schlafer said, “This room can be reserved online and the oversized monitor, natural light and incredible views of the city make it the perfect place for group meetings.”
4. Top Floor of the Sie International Relations Complex:
Top floor of the Sie International Relations Complex
There must be something about top floors of buildings that help students get into study mode. Finance student Olga Arzhayev said, “One of my favorite places to study is the top floor of the Sie International Relations Complex because there’s a balcony with a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains.” So, if you want to look up from your laptop and see the majestic Rockies, give this spot a try.
5. Daniels “Fishbowl” Study Rooms:
Daniels “fishbowl” study room
Need to work on a group project or practice for a final presentation? According to second-year Denver MBA student Emily Masters, the study rooms on floors 1-3 of the Daniels building are just the place. “When I’m working with groups, which is pretty common at Daniels, I like to work in any of the Daniels study rooms. They can be reserved online, they’re very convenient for meeting before or after class and we can hook up our computers to the TV if need be,” Masters said. To reserve a Daniels study room, log in to PioneerWeb, click on the Daniels tab and fill out the “Daniels and Margery Reed Study Room Reservation Form.”
There you have it—the five best study spots on campus according to Daniels students. If you decide to take a break from your studies, be sure to pop over to Beans Coffee Shop in the Joy Burns Center or the Sie International Relations Complex for a quick caffeine fix. Hours may vary during finals week so be sure to check out the Beans Facebook page for updates.