My Favorite College Study Spots (And Why They Still Matter)
- Ravi Patel
- Jul 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 31
The Places That Stay With You (Intro)
When I was at UC, there were a lot of college study spots on or near campus that became special to me, especially when it came to studying or knocking out assignments. Back in high school, I didn’t really have that. I come from a small town in the middle of nowhere (cue the Courage the Cowardly Dog intro), and there wasn’t even a single coffee shop around. So when I got to UC, it felt like a whole new world, actual campus buildings to explore, food places with character, and coffee shops I’d only seen in movies.
During my first year, I couldn’t really experience much because of COVID. But once things opened up in my second year, I was ready to explore. Weirdly, it made me feel even more validated in choosing UC. UofL was also on the table, but UC had more going on, more energy, and more places to grow. Spoiler alert: I was right to trust that feeling.
The Spot Where I Found Focus
I can't study at my apartment because I'll just end up going to bed. To stay focused, I find it helpful to go somewhere else to get in the zone. At UC, that place was the Lindner College of Business.
Lindner was my preferred spot in the afternoons or right after class. As a marketing student, I frequently worked alone there. I appreciated the cool, spacious design, particularly the study areas with red seating, and the floor layout. Additionally, there’s a Starbucks, so I could enjoy my matcha latte. Sometimes, I skipped breakfast and only had a sugary drink and a cookie upon arrival. Why? I'm not entirely sure.
This place was where you often encountered familiar faces, adding to its lively atmosphere. You could have a quick chat for a minute or two before getting back to your work. It offered a nice serotonin boost for good morale. When it was time to refocus, I would find a quiet corner or a study room to concentrate. Mornings and afternoons were dedicated to Lindner.
The Place That Let Me Breathe
This spot isn’t officially part of campus, but it’s close enough, and for me, it was essential. I’m talking about The 86 Coffee Shop. It had a totally different vibe from Langsam or Lindner. You’d walk in and be greeted by the smooth sounds of soulful R&B and jazz playing in the background (seriously, I could have written a whole post just on the music). It was quiet, calm, and I rarely ran into people I knew. It gave me space to zone in and work by myself, but in a way that felt relaxing, not isolating.
Upstairs, they had these cozy couches, comfy chairs, and a nice view of campus through the window. It felt like a reset button, a break from the usual energy of school. Even though it was the furthest spot from my apartment (about a 15-minute walk), it was always worth the trip. I’ll admit, it’s kind of ironic to call this the place that let me breathe, considering I was often out of breath by the time I got there. But mentally? It was exactly what I needed. Whatever energy I lost on the walk, I got back tenfold once I settled in.
The Corner Where I Felt Most Like Myself
Langsam served as my go-to spot for evening study sessions. I'd wake up from a nap, toss on a jacket, and take the ten-minute walk there as if it were part of my routine. The library offers a great mix of spaces, from small and large study rooms to multiple floors with varying atmospheres, and there's a Starbucks for a caffeine boost. When I went with friends, it was typically for casual assignments or late-night study sessions. Distractions could arise if we weren't focused, but for serious work, I could concentrate as long as everyone respected the study environment. Sometimes, the place becomes more about hanging out with friends, and although I might be tempted to procrastinate, it's still worthwhile to come here. The late-night vibe is great, and I always manage to get work done.
What Those Places Taught Me (Conclusion)
I didn’t realize it at the time, but man… I’m really going to miss these places. Having so many great study spots right at your fingertips, all within walking distance, is something you just can’t take for granted. Each one offered its own vibe, its own rhythm, and somehow matched whatever I needed at that moment, whether it was deep focus, creative energy, or just a quiet place to reset. Now that I’ve graduated, my options aren’t quite the same. The "bundle deal" I experienced at UC, encompassing the library, business building, cozy cafés, and hidden corners, provided fantastic college study spots that are truly one-of-a-kind. And of course, big shoutout to the spots I didn’t even get to mention, TUC, Rohs Street Café, Teachers-Dyer… y’all were part of the journey too.
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