Photo by rwclark and available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rwclark/2075315224/
As classes wind down and reading period begins, I thought you might appreciate a list of tried and true study spots on and around the BU Law campus. Whether you prefer perfect silence or crave noise and access to a constant caffeine drip, you’ll find some great options on the list below:
In the Law Tower
Basement Lounge: This lounge was designed as a break-room from studying, but it’s usually pretty quiet, so it’s good if you want a place to get away, and take a television study break.
Ring Lounge (Ground Floor): The Ring Lounge is a great place to study if you’re looking to talk, have a minute between classes, catch people as they come in and out, or sit and eat while you work.
First Floor Lounge: The First Floor Lounge is great for meeting up with people or having a snack while you study. The Café is open 8-3, Mon-Thurs, and 8-2, Friday.
Library (2nd Floor): The Library is the classic law school study place. Some people love it, some people hate it.
3rd Floor Study Rooms: A nice alternative to the library, the third floor study rooms provide a quiet place to study without the library feel.
Annex: The Annex to the BU Law Library is below Mugar Library, across from the law tower and accessed by the path from Ring Lounge. Some people may confuse it with a fall-out shelter.
Rome Lounge (12th Floor): Enjoy a good view of Boston while you study in the Rome Lounge.
On campus
BU School of Management, Pardee Library (595 Commonwealth Ave.): A good way to get away from the BU Law crowd during crunch time.
George Sherman Union “GSU” (700 Commonwealth Avenue): BU’s student union is a good spot if you want ambient noise, food, and undergraduates. Keep in mind that there are lots of nooks and crannies to study in (though none are silent) outside the food court area.
Mugar Library (Adjacent to law tower; 771 Commonwealth Avenue): BU’s undergraduate library is only steps away from the Tower.
Empty Classrooms: When all else fails, just pick any random room. Come visit us in Student Affairs if you want to check on how long that classroom may be free.
Public Libraries
Boston Public Library – Main Branch (700 Boylston Street): Boston’s central library is a gorgeous building adjacent to Copley Square. Just don’t leave your belongings unattended for a second.
Boston Public Library – Allston Branch (300 North Harvard Street): Boston’s Allston branch is conveniently on the 66 bus line. It has lots of sunlight and parking, but may also have lots of kids.
Boston Public Library – Brighton Branch (40 Academy Hill Road): Very quiet with parking available.
Brookline Public Library – Coolidge Corner Branch (31 Pleasant Street): Brookline’s Coolidge Corner Branch is in a beautiful part of town and is T accessible.
Coffee Shops
Blue State Coffee (957 Commonwealth Avenue): This coffee shop is a BU favorite with large tables, an open floor plan and plenty of food options to get you through your study session.
Café Japonaise (1032 Commonwealth Avenue): A quiet spot in West Campus where you can indulge in a variety of French/Japanese pastries.
Espresso Royale (736 Commonwealth Avenue): This BU hangout has food, plus great tea and coffee to keep the caffeine buzz going.
Panera Bread (201 Brookline Avenue, Boston, or 299 Harvard St, Brookline): Free internet, lots of tables and a decent number of plugs, plus a large menu of soups, salads and sandwiches to keep you satisfied.
Peet’s Coffee & Tea (285 Harvard Street in Brookline): A little further away from BU, this coffee shop gives you a place to escape. Especially good for weekend studying so you can take a break at the nearby Brookline Booksmith or grab lunch nearby.
Starbucks & other coffee shops (Various Locations): Open late, with big tables and comfy chairs, Starbucks and other local coffee shops are favorites with students.
Trident Booksellers & Café (338 Newbury Street): Open until midnight 7 days a week, this half bookstore and half café is the perfect place for a study session. In addition, free wireless and comfort food options will keep you energized for hours. Check their schedule of programs to be sure you won’t need to vacate before you’re ready.
So, what did we miss? Share your favorites that didn’t make the list in the Comments section below!