Finding the perfect study spot at Arizona State University (ASU) can make a significant difference on your college experience. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, focused space, a collaborative atmosphere, or just need a change of scenery to boost your productivity, there are many great study locations. Here are some recommended by our ASU graduates we know:

Where Do You Study Best?

Before we explore the various study locations, it’s important to understand where you are most productive. Ask yourself these questions:

Do I focus better in a loud or quiet environment?
Do I prefer a busy atmosphere with background noise or minimal distractions?
Am I more productive in the morning or evening?
Do I study better when I am in the building of my major?

By identifying your ideal study conditions, you can choose a location that matches your learning style and maximizes your productivity.

On-Campus Study Spots (Tempe Campus):

Hayden Library:

Hayden Library offers a variety of study environments catering to different focus levels.

Here’s a breakdown by floor:

1st Floor: The Luhrs Reading Room has quiet space for focused studying. It’s ideal for those who need minimal distractions.
2nd Floor: Comfortable seating is along the west wall, and large windows offer natural light. This floor also has study carrels scattered throughout, giving you options for open and more secluded places to study.
3rd Floor: This is home to the Maker Space (by reservation). Room 317 is available as an additional study space when not in use for classes. It’s worth checking out if you’re looking for a change of scenery.
4th Floor: This floor is quiet and perfect for long study sessions. It also has individual study nooks and comfortable seating with outlets. It also has a traditional library feel.

Music Library:

Not as popular as Hayden Library, the Music Library provides near-silent study on the library’s west side, with study nooks, tables, and comfortable seating.

Noble Library:

Noble Library is the go-to destination for students seeking a quiet study environment. It has 55 individual study rooms on the second and third floors, available on a first-come, first-served basis, as well as a designated Silent Study area on the second floor near the Writing Center. We highly recommend the writing center if you are feeling stuck for before a final paper.

Design and the Arts Library (Design North Building):

Located on the first floor of the Design North building, this library focuses on design subjects, including architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, graphic design, industrial design, and urban planning. Highly recommended if you are a design major.

Student Pavilion:

The Student Pavilion is a beautiful building and an excellent study spot. The first floor’s open layout and casual atmosphere is ideal for group work and collaborative projects. For those needing a quieter space, head to the second floor and above Here, you’ll find a calm environment perfect for focused individual study.

Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building 4:

The third floor of this building is worth exploring for study spaces. It often provides a quiet environment with lots of seating and a more secluded feel than popular study spots.

The Best Outdoor Study Locations

Fresh air and natural light can boost your study session. For much of the school year, Arizona has amazing weather for outdoor study sessions. ASU offers several outdoor study options:

Hayden Lawn:

Located just outside Hayden Library, this grassy area is a favorite among students. On pleasant days, you’ll see many Sun Devils spread out on blankets or seated at tables, using this area as an outdoor study space.

Farmers Building Courtyard:

This open-air courtyard provides a tranquil outdoor study environment. The space features calming fountains for a calm and focused place to study. The courtyard’s design offers a mix of sun and shade, allowing you to find your perfect spot no matter the time of year.

Computer Commons Patios:

For those who enjoy a view while they work, the rooftop patios of the Computer Commons building offer a unique outdoor study experience. Located in the middle of campus, these patios have a beautiful view of the campus.

Off-Campus Study Spots

Getting off campus can provide a valuable change of scenery, improving focus and productivity. These off-campus venues are particularly beneficial for students who find the familiar campus setting distracting or simply need a change of scenery to reinvigorate their study routine.

Here are some popular off-campus study spots:

Cartel Coffee:

This coffee shop is a favorite among ASU students. It offers a cozy atmosphere and great coffee. It is popular with upperclassmen and graduate students.

Tempe Public Library:

For those who need absolute quiet, the Tempe Public Library offers a change of pace from campus libraries. It’s spacious, quiet, and has many types of seating.

Cafetal Coffee:

This off-campus spot is known for its friendly atmosphere and quality coffee, making it a great place to settle in for a long study session. Cafetal is within walking distance from campus.

Tips for Effective Studying

Regardless of where you choose to study, these strategies can enhance your study sessions:

Dedicate Your Space to Studying: Use your chosen area solely for studying and homework. This association helps boost productivity, ultimately giving you more free time to enjoy campus. Whenever you check your phone, it takes about 23 minutes to regain deep focus.

2. Minimize Distractions: Find a quiet spot or use noise-canceling headphones to reduce interruptions. Creating a distraction-free environment can significantly improve your focus and efficiency. Even if you work better in coffee shops, find a way to minimize distractions.

3. Movement Before Studying: When possible, try to get 15 minutes of movement before studying. Exercise has been shown to improve memory, learning, and focus.

The key to effective studying is finding an environment that works for you. Don’t be afraid to try different locations until you find your perfect study spot.

Where Not to Study:

Although studying in the comfort of your dorm room may seem appealing, it’s better to separate your living space from your study environment. When you study in your room, you may face numerous distractions that can hinder your ability to focus effectively.

Establishing a clear boundary between your living space and productivity area improves attention and efficiency. If you can remain disciplined and use your study location solely for school work (and not check social media), you will complete assignments quicker and have more free time to enjoy Tempe.

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Seeking Additional Support:

Remember that you’re not alone if you struggle to focus or manage your time effectively while studying. Untapped Learning is here to help. Untapped was founded by an ASU graduate, and our coaches have experience working with ASU students. Our coaches can provide personalized strategies to improve productivity and study habits while minimizing procrastination.

Go Sun Devils!