Study spots on campus to try this finals season
From the many places to study on both Barnard and Columbia’s campus, these are some of the best places to lock in for finals this fall.
Photography by Merielen Espino/The Barnard Bulletin
December 10, 2024
Bored of your usual study spots and want a change of scenery? With final exam season fast approaching, here is a list of tried and true places on campus that make for excellent study spots! These five locations come highly recommended by students across all grades.
Milstein Center Second Floor
One of Barnard students’ favorite study spots is the second floor of the Milstein Center, which belongs to the Chen Library. The second floor is a very popular place to work, and it is particularly known for its green chairs that face big floor-to-ceiling windows.
“My favorite study spot when I need to really focus is always the second floor of Milstein Center,” says Ursula Vollmer (BC ‘26). “I love the open windows, quiet spaces, and green chairs being positioned looking out.” These windows fill the floor with sunlight, contributing to a positive studying atmosphere.
Along with a sunny environment, this floor is regularly quiet and is filled with many different types of work areas, including comfy chairs, tables of different sizes, desk cubicles, couches, and study rooms! Outlets are also conveniently placed at nearly every corner or desk, which is helpful for the long study sessions before finals.
The Diana Center Third Floor
Another quiet study spot, often less crowded than the Milstein Center, is the Diana Center. “I adore the third floor of the Diana Center because of the large windows and natural light. That is definitely my go-to spot,” says Ava Caldwell (BC ‘27).
On the third floor, there is a room filled with desk cubicles that creates a beneficial separation from other students so that you can really focus on your work. Like Milstein, the floor-to-ceiling windows allow for natural lighting and a nice view of Columbia’s campus across the street! Together, these aspects help prevent the feeling of being trapped inside, forming the illusion of being outside without bearing the cold weather. Liz’s Place is also located in this building, so a quick snack or drink is simply a step away!
Futter Field/Butler Lawn
When temperatures aren’t as low, students often study outside on both Futter Field and the Butler Lawns. At Barnard, Futter Field is a nice place to study because the lawn is wide, offering a workspace in the sun, which provides some fresh air and a change of scenery from the library.
There are also tables right next to Futter Field, which are conveniently placed outside of Liz’s Place, allowing students to be productive and focused outside at a table with food and/or a drink. “When it’s nice out, I love sitting at the tables outside of Liz’s or on Futter in the sun,” says Elle Berman (BC ‘28). “Getting some vitamin D while doing my work puts me in a better mood. My ideal study atmosphere is in a cafe with ambient noise, and I still can have that atmosphere outside on the field.”
The Butler Lawns are in front of Butler Library, providing a panoramic view of campus. Many students bring blankets and food to work on the lawns and enjoy the sun and the fresh air. “I love laying out a picnic mat on the Butler Lawn when the weather is pleasant and sunny and studying outdoors! Finishing up my assignments in nature while people watching calms me, helps me focus, and kills my procrastination,” shares Nyrah Kapoor (BC ’28).
Butler Library
Butler Library is the largest and most popular of Columbia’s 22 libraries due to the building's old academia feel. Butler has six floors and many different rooms, including quiet rooms and talking rooms, so you can always study with your friends (or attempt to) and talk at the same time. This is suitable for group work, such as group projects, so you can talk and collaborate with your peers without disturbing others.
Butler is also the only library on both Barnard and Columbia’s campus that is always open. Out of six floors, its first three are open 24/7, which comes in handy when you have a lot of work, need to do last-minute studying, or complete a procrastinated assignment.
In particular, many students find that this library is the most helpful when it comes to having to concentrate for long periods of time. “When it’s exam season and I have to get an intense study session in, I get a table with my friends in one of the balconies in the Butler reading room on the second floor. It’s a really cozy spot and silent. Everyone’s either very focused or really stressed out, and that helps me concentrate either way,” says Kapoor.
Butler also has a cafe on the first floor called the Blue Java Café, which is convenient to grab a snack or some coffee to keep you awake.
Avery Library
With two floors of very different atmospheres, Avery Library is Columbia’s Architectural and Fine Arts Library. The first floor resembles Butler with the classic academia feel and wooden bookshelves. However, this floor has bigger windows than the rooms in Butler, which lets more sunlight seep into the space. The lower level of Avery feels more 70s modern, contrasting with the first floor, which is older. Because this library is much smaller than others on campus, it makes for a more cozy and calm atmosphere.
“In some ways, it kind of feels like a high school library, which feels very nostalgic. It’s very relaxed there, and I prefer Avery to Butler,” notes Marika Giani (CC ‘28). In Avery Hall there is also a cafe, which is always helpful for a necessary pick-me-up during the long hour study days!
This list is composed solely of five study spaces that are commonly loved, but there are so many across campus, and whether you choose these or any other of the 22 libraries and other study spots, good luck staying focused with the upcoming exam season!