Where do you go when you’re not in class?

Although Columbia’s campus is a relatively small one, it took me until nearly the end of sophomore year to fully explore the variety of libraries, lounges, and tunnels available to me. Once you fall into your class-library-dining hall routine, it’s hard to force yourself to explore your other options. To help you begin your campus journey is a quick, introductory list of some classic and some lesser-known campus spots to check out as you start your freshman year. For the purposes of this list, I’ll be leaving out dining halls and cafes, but be sure to also check out our Guide To The Dining Halls! 

Main libraries

Milstein: Barnard’s main library, floors 1-4 of the Milstein Center. The noise-level is supposed to go down as you go up (first floor is talking, fourth floor is silent), but that does not stop people from loudly whispering on every floor. With a variety of seating options and a great view, it’s many people’s favorite library. The main downside is that unless you show up during off-hours once the semester gets going, it might take a while to find a seat.

Butler: Columbia’s main library. Six floors. It’s absolutely ginormous, but fills up quickly during midterms and finals (especially if you’re attempting to go in a group). Check out the fourth floor or sixth floor reading rooms if the third floor is packed.

Uris: Columbia’s business and economics library, intended primarily for group work. With two floors, it’s usually pretty easy to find a seat, but it’s not the place for you if you can’t concentrate with noise around you. If you’re looking for a convenient place to sit between Columbia campus classes, check this one out!

NOCO: The Northwest Corner building contains Columbia’s two-floor science and engineering library. It’s similar to Milstein in style, and is typically slightly less crowded in my experience. Mostly tables with a few rows of individual seating.

Avery: Columbia’s architecture and fine arts library. It’s pretty small, but you’ve usually got a shot at finding a seat on the basement level. It’s got the classic library aesthetic and very loose charging ports. 

Law Library: Located in the basement of the International Affairs building. If you’re looking for a slightly-creepy liminal space in which to lock in, this is the place for you. The entrance floor is styled like a classic library, but the real treat are the windowless, blank-gray-walled group study rooms that make you feel like you’re studying in a bomb shelter! Plus, they have chalkboards! 

Off-main campus: Sick of the same old spots? Check out Burke Library (Union Theological Seminary), Gottesman (Teacher’s College), and the Irving Medical Center library uptown!

Outdoors

Tables outside Milbank: Absolutely gorgeous during the spring and fall, this spot is sheltered from the sun and a great place to sit if you have an awkward amount of time between your Barnard classes. Lots of bird poop, so check before sitting down! 

All of the lawns: The best part of campus defrosting in the spring. 

Concrete ledge on Barnard Hall: Slightly uncomfortable, but large enough for you and your friends to sit on!

Milstein balcony: I did not know about this until at least sophomore year! Probably uncomfortable in direct sunlight, but check it out!

So many other tables: There are so many tables on Columbia’s campus, but if you’re not sure where to find them, there’s a bunch on the raised platform outside Fayerweather (and on the northeast side of campus in general), on and near the Law bridge, outside NOCO/Pupin, and outside John Jay. 

Lounges/Miscellaneous

Brooks Lounge: Located on the first floor of Brooks Hall, right inside the main doors. My go-to spot when I want an almost-empty room in which to decompress between classes. It’s got a great view and lots of cool armchairs the campus community deserves to be aware of. The main downside is that almost none of the outlets work.

Lerner Hall: Columbia’s student center. Between several lounges (the largest on the second floor), computer labs, and meeting rooms, there’s an almost unlimited amount of seating options! Lots of student-run events and clubs are hosted here (including Bwog! At 9 pm in Lerner 510 every Sunday!), so this a great place to start if you’re looking to get involved on campus! 

Diana 3rd floor reading room: Small but not-to-crowded spot and usually super quiet! There are only charging ports at the desks lining the West side of the room. You can also book two study rooms located off this room. 

Library study rooms: It’s easy to book a study room in Milstein (Barnard booking), Butler, NOCO, Uris (Columbia booking), and more online! For Milstein, NOCO, and Butler, you’ll want to book well in advance, but Uris rooms tend not to fill up as fast if you need something last-minute.

The Barnard Tunnels: A couple seating options are sprinkled throughout the Barnard tunnels, including three tables on the Lower Level near the back entrance, a few tables with chairs on the Mezzanine level (by the gym locker rooms), seating under the Milstein LL staircase, and occasionally a table with chairs outside the Event Oval. 

Random classrooms: Don’t be afraid to utilize an unused classroom! Most classrooms don’t have class times posted directly, but you can usually tell it’s time to leave when people start coming in and sitting down.

So many more!: You can find small lounges and hidden seating spaces of various sizes in most campus buildings. Grab some friends and go exploring!

If you know of any other cool spots on campus to check out, sound off in the comments below! 

Image via Bwog archives