Written by Kara Thompson, photos by Emily Condon.
October means a lot of things. The weather finally cools down, the leaves change colors, pumpkins are on many doorsteps.
But it also means that midterm season is upon us. Whether you’re doing some last-minute cramming for an exam, or just need a quiet place to write a paper, check out some of the study spots below.
McKeldin Library
The first floor houses cubicles where you can have your own private study space and tables that can be shared with multiple people. There’s also a computer row where you can do work and a cafe if you need a caffeine boost.
Divya Vydhianathan, a freshman philosophy, politics, and economics major, said the first floor is ideal for her.
“Seeing other people studying makes me more motivated to study and less distracted by my phone or by other tabs, so I get a lot of work done in a short time,” Vydhianathan said.
Biology-Psychology Building
Tables and trees are scattered throughout the Biology-Psychology Building’s interior courtyard. If you just want a minute outside for some fresh air, there are benches and other greenery.
“It’s very low traffic and stays cool during the summers,” said sophomore computer science major Joe Lewis. “You can be outside with a lot of shade.”
Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center
The Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center is another popular study area for students. There are lots of tables scattered around the building, where you can work alone or with a few friends.
Lincoln Doney, a sophomore computer engineering and physics major, said ESJ is his favorite for a very simple reason — “because it has coffee.”
School of Public Health
The quiet atmosphere and high-top tables spread throughout the hallways make the ideal studying space, especially if you already have a class in the building or somewhere nearby.
“I love studying at the School of Public Health building because it houses multiple of my kinesiology classes,” said sophomore kinesiology major Rachel Tievy. “It’s never too crowded and there’s plenty of quiet tables to get work done in between classes.”
Physical Sciences Complex Courtyard
In addition to the several tables and benches for people to sit and do work at, there are lots of flowers and plants in the Gluckstern Garden, labeled for easy identification. The cutout in the building allows for a direct look at the sky — allowing you to cloud watch during the day or stargaze at night.
“Even at night the lights are on and it’s so pretty to sit on the seats in the gravel and just look up at the sky,” sophomore computer science major Nathan Blanken said. “And if it’s raining or the weather’s not great, they have covered seating right next to the garden, so you’re out of the elements but still outside, which is really nice.”
McKeldin Mall
The lawn at the heart of UMD is also a popular study space. There are plenty of trees to set up a blanket under, or even string a hammock between. The brick walls lining some of the paths can also provide a good place to sit and get work done. If you like water, there are benches by the fountain and sundial as well.
“I like it because it’s peaceful,” said Paige Miller, a sophomore Spanish and physiology and neurobiology double major.
Brendan Iribe Center
The outdoor balcony on Iribe’s second floor is called the Margulis-Antonov Family Garden. It was built as a space for students to take a break between classes and enjoy the fresh air and views the garden provides. It has benches where you can sit and study.
“I like it because I think it’s relaxing,” said sophomore computer science major Ritvik Varkhedkar. “If you ever need to clear your head or take a breather or whatnot.”