If you're not sure where to start or just want a change of scenery, this list should give you some great ideas! In no particular order, here is our curated list for you:
1. John W. Hicks Undergraduate Library
This iconic, underground library has been a student-favorite for decades. There is a wide range of seating options, and it's conveniently located right next to the Stewart Center. You’ll also find private study rooms and desktop computers ready for use. It's also the perfect place for printing papers or study documents.
2. Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC)
This newer addition to campus has quickly become a popular study spot for students, right in the heart of campus. With its spacious and modern design, it offers an inviting atmosphere to put you in the perfect study mood. It has multiple levels with different types of seating options, so you can find the perfect spot that fits your study style. The Mullins Reading Room on the second floor is a great option if you thrive in quiet study environments and are looking for a great view of the bell tower! The natural light streaming through the large windows on all floors of the building adds an energizing touch to your study session.
3. Stewart Center
With a convenient location, the Stewart Center has great study options as well! On the first floor, there are comfortable spaces to get some work done if you thrive in a livelier environment. If you head down to the basement, you'll find another modern study area. The Stewart Center is also home to the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education Library (HSSE). The new update in 2024 brought more seating options, and an increased seating capacity with more access to electrical outlets for your computers and tablets. There are quiet areas on the second and third floor, with individual study rooms available. Printers, scanners, and computer
work stations are also available.
4. Krannert School of Management
The first floor exudes a modern vibe with an array of desks and tables, perfect for collaboration. The second floor houses The Roland G. Parrish Library of Management and Economics. It also has a plethora of seating and various individual and collaborative spaces. This library usually remains fairly quiet, and there are comfortable seating options if you are planning a long day of studies. There are also computers if you need access to a campus desktop for an assignment.
5. Chaney-Hale Hall of Science
Chaney-Hale Hall, located next to Elliot Hall of Music, is a state of the art building, housing numerous labs. It newly opened for the fall of 2020 with great study options and white boards for collaborative work throughout. It has varied seating options and lots of natural light. Saladworks is also located inside if you need to fuel your brain with a healthy bite.
6. Purdue Memorial Union
The Purdue Memorial Union is a staple for all Boilermakers®. The ground floor has a large amount of seating and food options. Many use this area to study and work, however, it can get rather noisy. The upper floors tend to be quieter, and offer a cozy feel to study – also with varied seating options. The Union is a great spot to take advantage of, with underground tunnels to access the building in adverse weather. There are also convenient businesses in the union to get some errands done too, including one of our branches!
7. Krach Leadership Center
The Krach Leadership Center is located on the residential side of campus, in between the Windsor and Wiley Dining Courts. It has space for collaborative and individual work, private rooms you can reserve, and open layouts. It is generally on the quieter side, with students working in the open areas and louder, large-group collaboration in reserved rooms.
8. Materials and Electrical Engineering Building (MSEE)
With the newly renovated atrium, MSEE offers multiple comfortable study areas that cater to both individual and group work. The building is equipped with whiteboards, plenty of outlets, and varied seating arrangements, not to mention a Starbucks café inside that creates a warm aroma. The proximity to other key engineering facilities, such as the Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering and the Electrical Engineering Building, also makes MSEE a convenient choice for engineering students needing to stay close to their labs and classrooms.
9. Co-Rec
The France A. Cordova Recreational Sports Center, or called the Co-Rec on campus, isn’t just the campus gym, but also has nice study and lounge spaces. This is a great place to get some quick studying in or to meet as a group. You can access a great study area without even swiping in — the staircase on the main floor, tucked around the corner of the market, leads to a study space and lounge area overlooking the rec pool. On the main floor, Freshens is a perfect place to grab food to help fuel your brain while studying, as well as the market where you can use your dining dollars. The Co-Rec is conveniently near many dorms, and you can get a quick workout in to relieve any study stresses!
10. Dorm lounges
Each of the dorms have their own lounge and study areas for you to use. These are great if you don’t want to go far, but need to get out of your room for a change of scenery! Hillenbrand’s study area is popular for many, as is Shreve’s. Shreve has a large lounge area with dry erase boards, meeting rooms, and a computer lab with both PCs and Macs.
Happy Studies!
This list has you covered through all corners of campus, with different options to match your individual study needs. You’ll come to find your own secret areas, but until then, this list is a solid starting point. We wish you the best in your study endeavors!
