Northeastern’s Boston campus, which has become increasingly crowded, is always short on space to study — especially during finals. Snell Library, known for being almost impossible to find a seat in, seems like an attractive option but often results in more time spent in pursuit of an empty seat than actual studying. When that option fails, it can be hard to find a different study spot that won’t be too congested.
So, with Snell constantly crowded, where are the best study spots on campus for finals week? The Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex, or ISEC, and the Curry Courtyard are great places to start — they are located near food options and not too noisy when you need uninterrupted focus — and the Snell basement classrooms are excellent when you need completely uninterrupted study time.
Law Library — Accessibility to sustenance: 2/10, Noise level: 9/10, Chance of finding a seat: 5.5/10
The Law Library, located in the Knowles Center, is an excellent place to lock in — ideal for writing a final paper or getting through that last Quizlet deck before your final. Typically one of the quietest places on campus, it is a great place for a solo study session — assuming, of course, you can find a seat. Although there is an unfortunate lack of food near the Law Library, it might be just the place for the amount of studying necessary to pass your hardest class.
Curry Courtyard — Accessibility to sustenance: 10/10, Noise level: 3/10, Chance of finding a seat: 7/10
Located on the second floor of Curry Student Center, the Curry Courtyard offers a wide variety of seating. The stools are usually the way to go since the couches pose a bit of a sleep risk. If you don’t mind a bit of background noise, Curry Courtyard can be a great place to knock out a problem set or two. Plus, easy accessibility to Starbucks, Popeyes and the Market provides enough nourishment to get through a long study session.
ISEC — Accessibility to sustenance: 9/10, Noise level: 6/10, Chance of finding a seat: 5/10
Though ISEC is usually filled with STEM majors who look less than thrilled to be in their latest six-hour lab, it’s a perfectly good choice of study spot. Six floors with available chairs and tables and light background noise will help keep you locked in without crashing out. Looking for a coffee break to get your caffeine fix and possibly kill some time? Fuel Cafe on the first floor will keep you satisfied while studying.
EXP — Accessibility to sustenance: 9/10, Noise level: 6.5/10, Chance of a finding seat: 5/10
EXP is another typical STEM building with excellent study spots. Each of the eight floors (seven that are accessible to students) features tables and chairs tucked away in quiet corners, and these study spots tend to be pretty empty. Assuming you’re capable of studying with friends, the varied table and seating options allow for productive group study sessions. Don’t forget Saxbys, arguably the best coffee shop on campus, is on the second floor, which serves up excellent distractions in the form of coffee and snacks and is also a great way to spend the rest of your dining dollars.
Snell basement classrooms — Accessibility to sustenance: 0/10, Noise level: 9/10, Chance of finding a seat: 10/10 (assuming they are unlocked)
This study spot — which lacks cell service and provides plenty of whiteboard space — is excellent when you require an uninterrupted study session for that class you are almost failing. These classrooms, when unlocked, are great study spots for you and your friends, with each classroom having plenty of seating and tables to spread out every page of your notes from the semester. The absence of cell service can be disconcerting, but let’s be real, it’s probably for the best. The latest on Instagram can wait until after you pass that physics final.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to study off campus, you can always head into the Boston Public Library, Panera on Huntington Avenue or Pavement Coffeehouse on Gainsborough Street.
