Surviving Finals: The Best Study Spots On & Off Campus
It’s that time of year, cats! Finals week is upon us and naturally, Howe Library is packed full of students preparing for exams and working on projects. Desperate times call for the perfect study spot, and the BORED team has you covered! Together we brainstormed a list of the best places to study locally, both on and off campus. Whether you’re looking for somewhere quiet, somewhere where you can grab a bite, or somewhere that allows you to romanticize studying, we proudly present our study spot guide…
On Campus
Old Mill
Not a day goes by that we don’t wish we were English majors. Even just for a little while… reading Dorian Gray in the soft light of the Old Mill Chapel. If you guys snag the couch on the 4th floor there’s even a sweet little puppy that pops in to say hi!
Royall Tyler
Who knew you could study in the theater? Upon walking into Royal Tyler, you are met with a quiet, open space of tables for studying. If you get a chance, check out the black box theater towards the back of the building, it is quite extraordinary.
Ifshin Hall
Find a high table or comfy chair amongst large leafy plants in this building’s corridor. It’s just the perfect amount of quiet, and Campus Perk is right inside when you need a study snack or beverage.
Billings Library
This library offers a quieter environment than the Howe Library, with its 19th-century dark academia-esque architecture, warm lighting, and limited seating.
Innovation Hall
UVM’s 5-level STEM complex has a variety of seating areas and study environments. Window tables, individual study desks, couches… spots that are quiet, busy, or somewhere in between—there’s something for everyone.
George D. Aiken Center
On the second floor of this net-zero energy building (the “greenest” on campus) find an intimate place to focus amongst tropical vegetation and lush forest plants. There are only a few tables, so don’t miss the chance to snag one.
Dana Health Sciences Library
Connecting the UVM Medical Center and Given Medical building, this library is a quiet, less popular alternative. It offers individual study spaces (like pod chairs with outlets), helpful staff, and an abundance of resources for students entering the medical field.
Off-Campus
Muddy Waters
Enjoy a cozy treehouse-like environment, abundant with plants and a wooded interior, as you work away. And of course, your studying would be incomplete without this coffee shop’s menu of organic brews and bites.
Vivid Coffee Roasters
This cafe is a blend of tastefully modern and vintage interior design, and a tasty, diverse selection of coffees. You may find yourself romanticizing your studies among plants, an abundance of natural light, and a warm atmosphere.
Kru Coffee Collective
Top-notch coffee and pastries, unique furniture, aesthetically pleasing wall art and decor – these ingredients are a recipe for a lively spot to lock in.
Queen City Cat Lounge
This restorative hangout space allows for interaction with adoptable cats and offers 3-hour study time slots for up to 8 people on Mondays and Tuesdays. Study slot reservations are $30, be sure to book your appointment on their website.
Dobra Tea
Offering over 100+ teas, hand-crafted teaware, and eclectic, bohemian decor, this is one of the most homey and relaxing spots to work on our list.
Burlington Bagel Bakery
Head down Church Street for locally renowned bagels and a delicious menu. Find a table or a window seat, and on the upper levels, you’ll have a quieter environment and views of downtown.
SoBu Library
The South Burlington Public Library was built in 2021 – it offers various study rooms, a digital lab, and various table & desk spots. The beautiful large windows along the side of the building offer wonderful natural light, and the modern but abstract interior offers the perfect study environment.
Barnes & Noble
The Barnes & Noble cafe is a classic study spot that transcends location, providing proximity to books, beverages, and baked goods. Tables and high chairs at the window are a holy grail study spot to many college students.
