Students study better in different environments, some people prefer a loud busy café, while others like to focus on the silent top floor of the library. No matter what your preferences are UCF’s beautiful campus offers a variety of different on-campus study spaces great for students. We’ve put together some of the best places to get work done on UCF campus, so you’ll do great on your exams.
Coffee Shops
There are multiple different coffee shops on UCF’s campus including Starbucks, Dunkin, Einstein’s Bagels, and Java City, to name a few. Starbucks has two locations in the Student Union and the College of Health and Public Affairs. Keep in mind though, that the on-campus Starbucks’ doesn't accept the rewards from the app.
Dunkin has locations in the Knights Plaza and UCF Downtown while the Business Administration Building and the Education Complex are home to Einstein’s bagels. Clearly, there are a variety of coffee shops scattered all over the UCF campus within convenient walking distance from most places.
Coffee shops are great for students who enjoy studying around people and don't mind a little noise while they study. They are also a great place to host a study group with friends or work on a group project because of the collaborative nature of the buildings. We recommend trying a few of the on-campus coffee shops to see which one is your favorite. Arguably, the best part of studying in a coffee shop is getting to enjoy a coffee while you work. While many students rely on caffeine to keep them going, if coffee isn't your thing, these locations have a large menu of teas, bagels, pastries, and so much more!
Libraries
Libraries are the most traditional place to study for students. UCF’s campus has 11 total libraries, but we’ll just be focusing only on the major ones. The John C Hitt Library is the main library on campus and stays open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. with its current hours, making it a great place to study late at night. The floors of the library each have unique seating arrangements and get quieter as you go higher up. The top-level is the 5th floor which is the completely silent level. All the seats on this floor are individual with no tables so make sure to be respectful of others quietly studying if you decide to study here. However, some students complain that due to construction the floor isn't always as silent as you would hope that it would be. This library also offers other services free to students to aid in studying, including a technology rental desk on the 2nd floor. Students can rent laptops, chargers, and more if they break or they need something extra.
Other libraries include the Rosen Library (open 8 am to 9 pm), CMC Library (open 7:45 a.m. to 9 p.m.), and the Health and Sciences Library (open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Keep in mind that hours can vary depending on the day so check the library website before making the trip to see if it's available. If you want to work with a group or just have a private space, study rooms are available for reservation in a few of the libraries. Just like coffee shops, it’s best to try multiple libraries and floors to determine which study space helps you be successful.
Student Union
The Student Union is the center of life on campus making it a great place to study for people who prefer a busier environment. The 3rd floor has limited seating but is highly sought after by students. Studying in the Union is also great because of the variety of different food and activity options if you need fuel or a study break. Additionally, the union is located right in the middle of campus making it easily accessible to stop by before or after class. If you think that you need complete silence to not be distracted from your work, this may not be the best place for you.
Outdoor Spaces
Some people love to get fresh air and study outside in the beautiful Florida weather, while others are way too distracted by the heat. If you enjoy being outside here are some of the places on-campus that are the best. The Memory Mall is a great place to throw up an ENO hammock between two palm trees and relax outside with your laptop. Students often come here to take a break between classes or study. Behind the counseling center is also a great plaza. The Arboretum Gardens have picnic tables that are great for studying at or you can spread a blanket out on the grass to enjoy the view. The Burnett Honors College Koi Pond is a more shaded, secluded, and quiet option. It's a hidden secret that’s really peaceful to sit by the water and relax.
Having a great environment for studying will help you be more focused and get everything done during your time as a student. Luckily all of the different study spots on UCF's campus make it so you don't have to look far for your dream study spot when it's time to get out of your UCF apartment!
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