Get focused: Smart study spaces on campus
Academics come first at the University of Illinois, and University Housing strives to provide you with the best housing experience while also aiding you in your academic journey.
There are several study spots within University Housing, such as spaces within the SDRP, ISR and main hall lounges, but we want to highlight a few campus spots that are hidden gems (and a few that are not so hidden) that are both close to residents and great workspaces! It’s fun to explore campus and the Champaign-Urbana community – visit any of these locations to get work done, hang out with friends or give your roommate some space.
University Libraries
University Libraries are my personal favorite study spots on campus – there’s about 30 of them! I frequent the Main Library when I need to lock-in on homework. It’s located right off the Main Quad at the center of campus and has a stop on several bus routes. It has different rooms and floors, each with different environments to match your study needs.
Located on the second floor of the Main Library, the Reading Room is a quiet, peaceful space with pretty views and lots of natural light.
The Orange Room is a large room with lots of tables and reservable study rooms, and it is a collaborative space where conversations are welcome! It’s great if you like background noise, you’re working on a group project or want to study with friends.
A hidden gem in the Main Library is the Social Sciences, Health and Education Library. It is a silent workspace for when you really need to focus. There is an additional room with tables surrounded by bookshelves for minimal distractions.
Another great hidden gem is the Communications Library! It is in Gregory Hall, which you might already have class in. It is a smaller, quiet space with study tables. Since Gregory Hall is home to the College of Media, there are many books and resources that may help any advertising, journalism or media & cinema studies student!
Visit the Study Space Directory page for a full list of study spaces throughout University Library locations.
Campus Buildings
University buildings that you may have class in or see every day also function as great study spaces!
The Campus Instructional Facility, or the CIF, is a great building for getting some work done. Located on the Engineering Quad, it has many classrooms for you to utilize after class hours, tables scattered throughout the building and the large “study steps” on the main floor.
On the other end of campus is the Business Instructional Facility. It is a short walk from LAR, Allen Hall, Ike North and Ike South! Classrooms and study tables in the main atrium are available for students.
A great quiet study space is the atrium on the main floor of the Psychology Building. The Psychology Building is in the center of campus, accessible from all residence halls! It is great for quiet, peaceful work and has pretty views with its glass ceiling and large plants.
The Siebel Center for Design is directly next to Ike North and Ike South and has many different rooms with different features and lighting. Since it is a design building, it has many different tools such as 3D printing, poster printing and more.
Off-Campus Libraries
If campus spaces seem crowded or you have a desire to venture off campus, there are two public libraries nearby!
The Urbana Free Library is located just off campus and is a short bus ride from any Urbana residence hall. Visit the Urbana Free Library for a quiet workspace with free access to computers, books, movies and more!
On the other side of campus is the Champaign Public Library, located on Green Street – a little past campus. It is walkable from the Champaign area, but also a short bus ride for residents of Champaign halls. You can enjoy an escape from busy campus life at their quiet study tables – also equipped with computers if needed!
Find Your Space
This is obviously not an all-inclusive list of campus study spaces, but a great place to start! Set yourself up for academic success and find what spaces work best for your studying and homework preferences. Whether you need a quiet place to relax or a lively space to talk with friends, Illinois has a spot near you!
