The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the writer and do not reflect the views of University School of Nashville or the Peabody Press.
With exams looming in less than a week, study guides are accumulating, caffeine consumption increases, and learning spaces begin to fill up. Finding a productive study space, from quiet corners to collaborative areas, becomes increasingly important.
The right setting can play an important role in maintaining focus, staying motivated, and managing the stress that accompanies the end of the semester.
Regardless of your study style, whether productivity is strongest in quiet environments or active, bustling environments, these ten options provide a wide range of environments to support various preferences. The list highlights spaces that aim to accommodate distinct needs as students prepare for upcoming events.
1. Library Study Rooms
The study rooms in the library are a classic study space, providing a quiet, private studying location. These rooms are ideal for both individual and group studying, as they provide enclosed spaces with minimal distractions.
Study Rooms Seven and Eight are located under the Mezzanaine, and have a glass wall that overlooks the rest of the library. They both have whiteboards, making them useful for working through practice problems, brainstorming ideas, or reviewing materials collaboratively.
In contrast, Study Room Four, Five, and Six, located at the back of the library, offer larger spaces better suited for bigger groups of 6-8 people. Although these rooms do not have whiteboards, they feature windows with views outside, creating a natural atmosphere and often much higher temperatures throughout the day, which can either be beneficial or distracting depending on a student’s preferences.
During events such as Library Late Nights, the study rooms can also be reserved, which can be especially helpful during busy exam weeks when spaces fill up quickly.
2. Off-campus Coffee Shops and Cafés
Coffee shops and cafés are the perfect place for students who don’t mind a bit of a louder studying environment, and it is a great place to work longer hours at because of its plethora of food and drink options. Studying at Starbucks also allows students to get away from school, which can be beneficial in terms of resetting their brains and working without distractions. The background music can sometimes be even more helpful than studying in complete silence. The Starbucks on 21st Avenue opens at 4:30 a.m. and closes at 11:00 p.m., and while it is recommended that students get an adequate amount of sleep before exams, studying here gives people the option to wake up early or stay up late to do some last minute reviewing.
Starbucks is the closest coffee shop to USN; however, if students want a less crowded and quieter coffee shop to study at, Kahawa Coffee House is a good option. It is five minutes away from USN and has a menu filled with unique, authentic Swahili eats. If students want to get away from the hustle and bustle inside Starbucks, Kahawa is a nice alternative.
3. College Counseling Conference Room (4200)
Located on the fourth floor in the college counseling area, the college counseling room is a hidden gem for quiet studying during the school day. The room has an overall calm, focused atmosphere, especially when curtains are drawn and lights are dimmed. Soft LED lighting in the back adds to the ambiance, giving the space a subtle glow. With comfortable seating, a large table, and a whiteboard, the room is well-suited for both individual and small group studying, particularly for shorter study sessions between classes.
4. Mr. Flatau/Dr. Meador’s classroom (4105)
Mr. Flatau and Dr. Meador’s classroom, located near the end of the science wing on the fourth floor, is a popular classroom for many students. With open windows that allow for abundant light, many students can be found here during free periods and between classes working on homework, reviewing notes, or collaborating with classmates. Many other students also stop by to ask Mr. Flatau or Dr. Meador questions about chemistry, making the classroom helpful for those looking for clarification or preparing for their exams.
5. Mr. McKay’s classroom (3285)
Mr. McKay’s classroom is located at the West end of the third floor and is the perfect quiet study space. Students often enjoy sitting at the back table to do their homework or using his chalkboard (the only one in the high school) to make things like graphs, venn diagrams, or timelines. This classroom is perfect for students who require a calm study environment and those who like a bit brighter lighting. This room is the study place for students who need to focus and just be productive.
6. The Front Edgehill Steps
The front steps located on Edgehill Avenue are the perfect study spot on a sunny May day. It is a perfect combination of a spot to talk and laugh with friends if a student is looking for a more chill vibe and a spot to focus on work while listening to birds chirping and the wind blowing through the trees. This study space is perfect for reviewing notes, doing close reading, or group studying with friends. However, because teachers occasionally bring their classes to do lessons outside, it is not a given that the front steps will be free or have no distractions. While some students may not enjoy studying with other classes learning outside, the front steps are an overall relaxing and comfortable study space.
7. Mr. Hubbell’s classroom (4100)
Mr. Hubbell’s classroom, tucked away at the back of the science wing on the fourth floor, offers a quieter and more secluded study option. Its more hidden location means fewer students tend to gather there at once, creating a calmer environment for focused work. At the same time, the room features several windows that allow for natural light, making the space feel open and comfortable.
8. The Forge (4125)
While The Forge may not seem like a great study space because of its messiness, it is actually the perfect place to get work done. It is free during different times of the day, including F period, and you can always find students there working on an engineering project, making up a physics test, or just relaxing. The random tools and equipment lying around just adds to the aesthetic of the room, so if a student is looking for a unique space to get work done, the Forge is the perfect spot.
9. Ms. Mayfield/Ms. Alexander’s classroom (3225)
Ms. Mayfield and Ms. Alexander’s classroom are standout study spaces located on the third floor due to their abundant natural light and open atmosphere. Unique windows on the ceiling allow light to stream down from above, creating a bright and energizing environment throughout the day. In addition, an entire wall of glass overlooks the parking lot, offering a wide view that makes the space feel free. The room serves as a refreshing study environment, particularly for students who prefer writing, reading, or reviewing notes in a quiet place with relaxing views.
10. Profe Oso’s classroom (4241)
Profe Oso’s classroom is a calming study spot, naturally lit by the multiple windows. It is a small room, tucked away in the back of the Commons, and this somewhat hidden spot makes for a great empty spot to get work done. This room is commended for its study environment, seeing as it is used by APL Lab students; however, it is a great space when the room is free. It is typically quiet, allowing for students to get a good amount of studying done. It also has a whiteboard at the front of the room, and people are not shy about filling it up with study materials ranging from Spanish words they need to memorize to practice calculus problems. Profe Oso’s classroom is a great place for students to study for tests, do homework, and study for exams throughout the school day.
These areas may be the perfect environments to study in depending on what you are looking for. Students can group study with friends, grab a drink, and/or put on noise canceling headphones and just focus on studying for however long is needed. Hopefully students will make the best use of these spaces throughout the next month, and good luck on exams!
