Best Places to Study on Campus | University of Portland

Best Places to Study on Campus

Pilots Prevent

August 24, 2021

Best Places to Study on Campus

Whether you’re brand-new to campus, or it’s just been a while, you can probably use a refresher on all the comfy, quiet, power-outlet-bedecked spaces around campus tailor-made for studying. We gathered them all up in a handy list so you can find your favorite spot (and a few backups in case someone got there first).

Dundon-Berchtold Hall

Franz Lounge: So spacious and tastefully appointed with settees, coffee tables, and armchairs, you might wonder if you’re in a classy tea room not a college campus. Enjoy it now while it still has that new-building scent.

First Floor and Second Floor Hallways: Go ergonomic with desks and chairs or cozy-up on the couches and armchairs. Plenty of power outlets in the walls to keep your laptop juiced, while windows looking out onto the lawn let in plenty of natural light. 

Basement Hallway: No windows, but this low-traffic floor is super quiet and outfitted with the same kinds of desk sets and couch seating areas as the study spaces in the other hallways. 

Library:

Most Pilots will tell you that the Clark Library is one of their favorite places to study. It’s quiet and offers tons of seating, outlets, and staff ready to help. There are even reservable spots, including 20 group study rooms, 5 booths, and 12 individual study carrels.

https://libguides.up.edu/orientation/study

Shiley Hall

The School of Engineering’s Vollum Study Room is a great two-floor study space outfitted with lots of desks, shelves of reference materials, and a wall of windows bathing the rooms in natural light. And the hallway on the second floor has great seating areas alongside windows too. 

Bauccio Commons 

If you want to eat while you study, the “Quiet Side” of the Commons (i.e. the side without people lining up for food) is a good option when not otherwise in use. Keep in mind outlets can be tough to score if you don’t get a table by a wall.  

Franz Hall 

Head up to the third floor and you’ll find the Holy Cross Lounge across from the entrance to the Garaventa Center. It’s quiet and peaceful with banquette seating along the wall, a few outlets, and portraits of past UP presidents keeping you motivated to stay on task.

St. Mary’s 

The lounge in St. Mary’s is the quintessential college hang out space, with so many puffy, comfy couches it almost looks like a furniture store showroom (from the ‘90s). There’s usually some kind of activity going on, so it’s better for those who study best when surrounded by the busy hum of people doing their thing.