Top 5 Study Spots at UT Austin
College is a great time to explore, grow, and make lasting friendships. In the middle of all that, though, you still need to study. Fortunately, campus is full of places to do just that. Here are some of the better options where you’ll be more likely to succeed.
Low quality photos, high quality places.
Perry-Castañeda Library (PCL)
Conveniently located across the street from Jester, the PCL is a go-to study spot. The 6th floor, super quiet and sparsely populated, enables some hardcore focus. It also has lots of outlets, and I myself enjoy the rolly chairs. If you prefer something livelier, try the 5th floor. It’s one of the most popular spots on campus and great for group work. The PCL also features plenty of computers and printers on the ground floor.
2. McCombs
And right across from PCL is McCombs, the business building. The Atrium is nice with its high ceiling and skylight, though the TV’s are kinda distracting. Alternatively, there’s a lesser-known room on the 5th floor near the Active Learning Classrooms. It has a more secluded feel along with great seating – including rolly chairs and standing tables - and abundant outlets.
3. Life Science Library
Found on the 2nd floor of the Main Building, this spot has an especially “studious” vibe. It’s really quiet, and there are some neat quotes on the ceiling to motivate you. Thanks to the library’s height, there’s a nice view of campus from the windows. The accommodations are nice, too: there are computers and printers, and the front desk has a pencil sharpener, a hole puncher, staplers, and tape available for use.
4. Union
This popular spot is on the West Mall, right alongside the Drag. The area on the 3rd and 4th floors around the Presidential Lounge has a similar vibe to the Life Science Library. It doesn’t feel quite as studious, but the chairs are nicer. There are also a bunch of rooms around the 4th floor well-suited to group meetings or presentation practice. You can try the Showroom on the ground floor for a more vibrant ambience, and more outlets. Also, this isn’t really for studying, but the reclining chairs by the balcony make for good napping.
5. Flawn Academic Center (FAC)
Next door to the Union is the FAC. The most notable thing here is that it’s the unofficial official Koin hangout spot. If you like to study with friends, or chill with friends without studying, FAC is the place to go. If you actually need to study, we aren’t everywhere in FAC, and it’s a good spot in its own right. The window-walls on the first floor give not just great lighting but an open, warm feel. An outlet is easy to find, and with the variety of seating, unless you only like rolly chairs, you’re bound to find something you like.
…..and those are our Top 5! Hope it helps you get started with your study spot search.
But before we go, here are some honorable mentions:
Architectural library
Engineering Education and Research Center (EER)
Jester West 2nd Floor
Jester West Quiet Lounge
Jester East Piano Lounge
SAC Food Court & 2nd Floor
Written by: Jude (Senior)