Can’t find the best study spot this semester? You are in the right place.
Killer Kildee
Kildee Hall is a complex, multifloor building — confusing enough to make a senior get lost, but I applaud it for its various seating options throughout the hallways, especially in the main foyer.
A spot many people don’t know about is located behind lecture hall 0125. There are small two-person tables in a quiet, window-lit corner tucked underneath the seats of the lecture hall. You can also access it from the outside of the building.
Tremendous Tiers
Although this may seem obvious, many students who use the library don’t know what the tiers are, and they are the perfect place for independent study. There are floor after floor of shelves and desks. The air is warm, the light is welcoming and it just feels like an academic space. I’ve never once failed to get work done here.
To get here, take any staircase (besides the main one) or elevator and you’ll see the tiers labeled. Or, walk through the cafe, get a pick-me-up and straight ahead is a door that will take you to tier two. But be warned, if you want to chat with your friends, this is not a good option. It’s very quiet and reminiscent of the sacred, no-talking fourth floor of Parks Library.
Therapeutic Therkildsen
The newest building on Iowa State’s campus — a tongue-twister similar to Lagomarcino’s difficult name — the Therkildsen Industrial Engineering Building has many study spots! For quiet, independent study spots, check out the far west and east third and fourth floor areas. You’ll find various single desks overlooking campus. For more seating, the second floor has a bright lobby with multiple couches and desks for group work and conversation.
Mellow MacKay
Mackay Hall is named after the long-time Dean of Family and Consumer Sciences, Catherine J. MacKay. To experience the beauty of MacKay, enter from the south side of the building and you’ll walk into a room of dark wood, big windows and comfortable couches, perfect for studying. For a more private study spot, there are individual spots with chargers along the second and third floors.
Humble Hamilton Hall
Hamilton Hall never fails to make me start singing songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s catchy musical. The perfect spot for a relaxed study session is in the main foyer. There are almost always people here, chit-chatting and working on schoolwork.
Lecture Hall Hollows
Don’t pass up on lecture halls. Any empty lecture hall is perfect for focusing due to its vast emptiness and overwhelming quiet. Plus, there are often giant whiteboards you can use. Just make sure you clear out if students start to trickle in for class.
