UD students always debate about which study spot on campus is best. Besides their dorm, a consistent, dependable study spot is one of a student’s most important places, so it is normal for students not only to debate about this but also to seek out their own special niche where they can focus in peace.
Here is a personal review and guide to some of the best study spots on campus; everyone is entitled to their own opinions and agendas, so what is written here is not meant to be assertive, but for this review the general principle is that a good study spot must be conducive to focused work across a long period of time. The three criteria for this principle are: distraction levels, access to helpful resources (outlets, water, books, etc.) and availability.
The Library/ Periodicals:
Arguably the most popular and diverse study spot on campus, the library spans four levels with areas ranging from group tables to cubicles to the periodicals. Anyone can find a place that suits the atmosphere they like best.
Distraction: 10/10 Although the library is sometimes noisy around the group tables (especially the second and third floors), there are many places of absolute silence. There are the cubicles, out-of-the-way desks and tables across all the floors, the basement and the periodicals of course.
Resources: 9/10 The library has plenty of outlets and (obviously) access to hundreds of books and study resources. There are water fountains on each floor, but if you need an energy drink or snack, it is a 5-10 minute break to get to the closest vending machine.
Availability: 8/10 The library has plenty of space; even during midterm or finals week, there will always be at least a cubicle or a table in the periodicals open. This semester, however, it closes at 10 p.m., which hampers late-night studying.
Braniff:
Another popular place, especially the third floor. Due to the library closing earlier, it has become the go-to late night spot.
Distraction: 7/10 Braniff is always noisy, especially during class hours. For many people, however, the hub of noise creates a helpful background for studying, especially on the third floor. Studying on the first floor may not work for many because of the constant foot traffic.
Resources: 10/10 There are two vending machines, plenty of outlets, the library is very close, and there are also many department and professors’ offices.
Availability: 7/10 There are few open spots during the school day, especially on the first floor, but because there are so many classes in Braniff, it is a useful place to study between classes. With the library closing earlier, it is also crowded in the evening.
Cap Bar/Frassati’s:
The newly renovated space is always busy and noisy, yet it remains a popular study spot for many people. Although there is lots of indoor seating, the outdoor area is very nice in good weather and also quieter.
Distraction: 5/10 The area is usually very busy and noisy. Besides studying, many people go to this area to get food or a coffee, or for meetings. It is also easy to find a friend or two and get carried away talking to them. For some, this type of busy, social environment is fun especially for group study. To focus for long, however, bring earbuds.
Resources: 8/10 There are plenty of outlets, food options and caffeine options. The library and all department offices, however, are all a few minutes away.
Availability: 6/10 There are lots of different spaces in Frassati’s (booths, lounge chairs, etc), but during the day it is hard to find a spot. There is more space later when the restaurants are closed.
“The Fishbowl:”
Arguably the most unique study spot, “the Fishbowl” is a small yet popular spot that is quiet, yet not so removed like the periodicals.
Distraction: 8/10 The inside of the fishbowl is very quiet, and it remains so throughout the day. Even the few outdoor seats are removed enough from the mall that they stay quiet enough too. The glass, however, can make it easy to people-watch and the outdoor seating is prime for seeing and talking to a friend.
Resources: 7/10 Getting water, caffeine or a snack requires a short walk, as well as getting to the library and Braniff offices.
Availability: 6/10 There are not many spots inside or outside, but it is not usually crowded. Especially at night, there is usually an open spot.
Haggerty:
The science building has a good variety of study spots, including the window wells and the outdoor patios. It is very practical, especially for those with classes there, and although busy during the class day, it never gets too noisy.
Distraction: 8/10 Even during the school day, the halls of the science building are noisy but being in a window well removes you from the hub of the hallway. When the school day is over, the building becomes very quiet.
Resources: 7/10 There is a vending machine on the first floor, and all the STEM department offices are in the building. The popular window wells do not have outlets.
Availability: 8/10 The window wells, especially on the first floor, are completely filled during the school day, but when the weather is nice both porches are free and the hidden tables in the basement are usually free.
Some honorable mentions: SB Hall, Cardinal Farrel Hall, The Dumb Ox.