5 Campus Study Spots You Haven’t Tried Yet (That Aren’t the Library)

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5 Campus Study Spots You Haven’t Tried Yet (That Aren’t the Library)

When midterms and final exams come around, finding a quiet corner on campus to study feels like a competitive sport. Luckily, we’ve done the legwork to find five lesser known study spots across the U of A campus.

Whether you need total silence, strong coffee, or just a change of scenery, we’ve got you covered. Here’s the breakdown – each is rated by quiet level, outlet access, overall vibe, and snack proximity.
 

1. Health Sciences Innovation Building (HSIB)

Location: 1670 E. Drachman St., 85721

Perfect for: Deep focus, solo study, or group projects

Quick Ratings:

Quiet Level: 5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Peaceful and distraction-free)

Outlet Access: 4/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (Plenty, but plan ahead during peak hours)

Vibe: 4/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (Modern, bright, and energizing)

Snack Proximity: 4/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (Café Bolo has you covered)

Description:

HSIB is basically the Swiss Army knife of study spaces. Floors 3–6 are packed with reservable student support spaces, including solo study rooms, small group rooms (4–6 people), and larger collaboration rooms (up to 8). Each floor even has an outdoor patio, perfect for catching some sun while reviewing notes.

Feeling hungry? Head down to Café Bolo on the first floor, where you can grab sandwiches, chef-crafted specials, salads, or quick-to-go snacks. Don’t forget the coffee bar for espresso drinks, on-tap beverages, and all-day pastries.

Pro Tip: Café Bolo is closed on weekends, but the first-floor Forum often hosts fun lectures, performances, and events worth checking out if you need a study break.

2. Slot Canyon Café

Location: 1064 E. Lowell St., 85719 (within ENR2)

Perfect for: Solo study or group projects

Quick Ratings:

Quiet Level: 3/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (Balanced background hum, but don’t expect total quiet)

Outlet Access: 2/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️☆☆☆ (Limited, come charged)

Vibe: 5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Relaxed and full of sunlight)

Snack Proximity: 5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Caffeine and carbs at an arm’s reach)

Description:

Tucked inside the stunning Environment and Natural Resources 2 (ENR2) building, Slot Canyon Café is a study spot that feels more like a mini getaway. With a mix of indoor tables and shaded courtyard seating, it’s ideal for solo study sessions or casual group meetups. The low-to-moderate noise level gives it that sweet spot between focus and friendly chatter. 

Bonus: the café menu covers everything from espresso shots to smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, and grab-and-go snacks.

Pro Tip: Outlets are scarce – especially outdoors – so make sure your laptop’s fully charged before settling in.

3. Bear Down Gym

Location: 1428 E. University Blvd., 85721

Perfect for: Solo study or group projects

Quick Ratings:

Quiet Level: 3/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (Moderately calm, depending on the day)

Outlet Access: 3/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (Enough, but not everywhere)

Vibe: 5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Historic, inspiring, and very “college experience”)

Snack Proximity: 3/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (Close to the Student Union)

Description:

Built in 1929, the historic Bear Down Gym once echoed with basketball games – now it’s home to student success. Inside, you’ll find a mix of study spaces, including cozy corners in the renovated bleacher area and reservable quiet rooms on the third floor. It’s a great spot for focused solo sessions or collaborative group work. 

Plus, with on-site resources like tutoring, writing support, and LifeLab’s on-demand career coaching, Bear Down Gym is more than just a place to study – it’s a hub for leveling up your academic game. Food-wise, you’ll have to venture across the Mall to the Student Union, where snacks and caffeine await.

Pro Tip: Feeling burnt out? The first floor doubles as your wellness retreat, complete with an 1,800-square-foot fitness center plus relaxation and reflection rooms to recharge between study sessions.

4. Meinel Optical Sciences Building

Location: 1630 E. University Blvd., 85721

Perfect for: Solo study or small group

Quick Ratings:

Quiet Level: 4/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (Peaceful with just a hint of background hum)

Outlet Access: 3/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (A few spots, so plan accordingly)

Vibe: 3/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (Bright and modern, but lowkey)

Snack Proximity: 1/5 Stars ⭐️☆☆☆☆ (Bring your own brain food)

Description:

The top floor of Meinel Optical Sciences is truly a hidden gem for studying. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light and offer a gorgeous view of the Mall. Inside, seating for about 30 people plus an additional 15 on the open-air patio makes it perfect for solo focus sessions or a quiet small-group meetup. There’s a single whiteboard for brainstorming, a handful of outlets, and a cozy vibe that makes you feel right in the heart of campus.

Pro Tip: Finding it is half the adventure. Head to the 8th-floor west wing – you might think, “Does this place even exist?” – but trust us, once you arrive, you’ll be glad you made the climb.

5. Underwood Family Sonoran Landscape Laboratory

Location: 1168 E. Speedway Blvd, 85719

Perfect for: Solo, calming study sessions

Quick Ratings:

Quiet Level: 4/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (Tucked away, serene running water)

Outlet Access: 1/5 Stars ⭐️☆☆☆☆ (No access to outlets in the garden)

Vibe: 4/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆  (Serene, peaceful, shaded)

Snack Proximity: 1/5 Stars ⭐️☆☆☆☆ (Vending machine options only)

Description:

Just south of the CAPLA East Building, the Underwood Family Sonoran Landscape Laboratory is a little oasis on campus. The garden showcases five distinct Sonoran Desert biomes – Arizona Wetland, Canyon, Desert Riparian, Mesquite Bosque, and Upland Sonoran – making it both beautiful and unique. 

This tranquil spot is perfect for solo study, letting you soak in the sights, sounds, and fresh air while hitting the books. Limited snacks and no outlets mean it’s best for unplugged, mindful study sessions.

Pro Tip: Charge your devices beforehand and consider bringing a blanket or cushion to make your outdoor study session extra comfy.

Whether you’re hunting for your new favorite study nook or just need a change of scenery from the library, these five spots prove that campus has plenty of hidden gems to boost your focus and refresh your brain. 

Want to take your study game even further? Check out our Study Hall Series on the University of Arizona YouTube page. These 2-hour Pomodoro timers pair scenic campus views with focus-friendly music – lofi, classical, or cinematic – to help you stay in the zone no matter where you’re studying.