Excited the weather is getting good again? Looking for ways to maximize your time outside? Look no further – now you can study while enjoying the beautiful New York sun!

In the fall semester, I, an unknowing freshman, wrote an article outlining the best outdoor study spots to enjoy the precious last moments of sun before winter. After making it through those cold months, the weather is finally being kind to us again. This also means that it is time to get outside, and as much as I love the Low Steps, focusing there is quite the effort. After navigating Barnumbia for a bit longer, I identified some new wonderful outdoor study spots. I am not naïve enough anymore to claim these spots are underground, but in my opinion they are still the best places to lock in while enjoying the beautiful weather. Because if you have to study no matter what, you might as well enjoy a place that doesn’t smell like feet (I’m looking at you Butler). 

  1. Tables outside of Schermerhorn

I’ve heard this area be called a variety of things, so I’ll stick to a basic description. If you’re lucky enough to get a table in the little plaza area, you have struck it good – surrounded by St. Paul’s Chapel and behind Avery, this little area will fulfill all your dark academia studying dreams. The tables also always reliably have an umbrella, so you can get some work in on a really sunny day. 

  1. SIPA Courtyard

The area directly outside of the International Affairs Building in front of East Campus is full of picnic-like tables that are perfect for spreading out your Apple Ecosystem (guilty!). Even better, with Fac Shack just downstairs, you can have a wonderfully productive working lunch! They are also relatively empty most of the time, so unless the weather is particularly nice, you’re likely to get a seat. 

  1. Tables next to Milstein 

Last semester, the sheer amount of construction being done on the Lefrak Center really made it impossible to get any work done at these tables. But now there is rarely the drone of some random construction device, and these seats are much more enjoyable. The chairs are kind of fun, with benches and individual chairs, which especially make this a good group study spot. 

  1. Area outside Mudd

As a humanities major, I do my best to steer away from Mudd. The vibes from that building are iffy, and Chef Don’s is mid at best (and I will die on that hill). Regardless, there are some really nice tables right outside of Mudd, and because of the building’s general unpopularity, the area remains relatively quiet. It’s also right next to Uris, which means a Chef Mike’s sandwich could be calling your name! 

  1. JoCo (Joe’s Coffee, NOCO)

Obviously, this is not outside, but hear me out. When it’s a little windy or just a bit too chilly, but still sunny outside, you want to take advantage of whatever you can get in this city. With its wide windows that let the sun in and not overpowering coffee smell, JoCo is the perfect replacement for being outside, while not feeling like you’re missing out. I love studying outside as much as the next girl, but sometimes I don’t want to deal with the wind, and let me just say, this is the best alternative I’ve found yet. 

After scouring the whole campus, these have become my favorite places. But with seven more semesters here, who knows? Maybe I’ll find somewhere really underground… although I can’t promise I’ll reveal my secrets. 

Image via Bwog Archives