With the school year kicking off, students are gearing up to spend long hours hunkered down in drab libraries and bustling coffee shops, of which Madison has no shortage … but not all study spots are created equal.

Take State Street Colectivo, which, on a Sunday, might as well be the KK on a game day — good luck getting anything done, or a seat for that matter.

If you like to feel like you’re studying in a solitary confinement cell, then perhaps Memorial Library is for you.

And maybe if you barricade College Library at 8 a.m., you’ll be able to secure a window seat, but prepare to be surrounded by hordes of naive freshmen who can’t seem to understand what “quiet floor” means. (Keep scowling at them — they’ll catch the hint eventually.)

If you value your beauty rest, the thought of waking up early to stake out a spot at a library or coffee shop, just for it to soon be overtaken by raucous throngs of students, isn’t exactly ideal. But fear not — there are plenty of gems, both on and off campus, that are quiet, calm and not yet claimed as territory by the entire student body. These ten coffee shops, libraries and campus hideaways fit the bill.

Allen Centennial Garden

Lakeshore dorm alumni know living in the sleepy freshmen enclave had its perks — among them, the neighborhood’s ample outdoor space. Before the weather turns, get in some reading at Allen Centennial Garden, the biggest jewel in Lakeshore’s crown that’s complete with meticulously trimmed hedges, colorful foliage, benches and tables galore. It is open 24 hours, located at 620 Babcock Dr.

Bandit Tacos and Coffee

While known for its tacos (try the cauliflower taco and avocado tostada — trust me), Bandit’s tried-and-true coffee menu, which has only six items, is reason enough to pay the restaurant a visit. Located in Madison’s old train depot, it has plenty of seating for your next cram session. It is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, located 640 W. Washington Ave.

Barriques — West Washington

In spite of having two floors of seating and being hardly a 10 minute walk off campus, Barriques hasn’t seemed to have cornered the college student market quite yet. Take advantage of that and stake out one of its bigger tables for your next group study. The best part? If your workload is taking a toll, you can unwind with some wine, available for purchase by the glass. It is open 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday located at 127 W. Washington Ave. with University Avenue and Monroe Street locations as well.

Colectivo on Monroe Street 

Need an oat-chata but not willing to brave the out-the-door line at Colectivo on State Street? Head to the chain’s best location in Wisconsin (and yes, I’ve tried them all) and find out why it’s Madison’s best-kept secret. Sure, it’s a bit of a hike, but you were heading to Trader Joe’s anyways. Crackling fireplace? Check. Cozy armchair? Check. No customers under the age of 20? Check! It is open 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday, located 2530 Monroe St.

Kohler Art Library 

Tucked inside of the perpetually under construction Conrad A. Elvehjem building, the Kohler Art Library’s classification as a quiet study space makes it the ideal spot to do some reading between classes. Though it’s the campus’ fine arts library, STEM students are tolerated. It is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, located on 800 University Ave.

Lakeside St. Coffee House

Many students might be surprised to learn that Madison doesn’t end once you hit Regent Street. Take a bus or a bike south down Park Street, turn left on Lakeside Street and you’ll discover the aptly named Lakeside St. Coffee House, which has all the charm and eclectic decor of Indie Coffee or Michelangelo’s, minus the swarms of chattering students. It is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 1p.m. Saturday and Sunday located on 402 W. Lakeside St.

Little Sweet

Have your chemistry homework with a side of boba at this charming and sleek new tea shop and bakery on State Street. Even sweeter than its menu of cakes and other decadent treats is Little Sweet’s hours — It’s open until 10 p.m. every night, making it a contender for hosting your evening study sessions. It is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday, located on 313 State St.

MERIT Library

Aesthetically, MERIT Library is like a miniature College Library, complete with shabby carpeting, a circulation desk and an army of identical pseudo-wooden tables and chairs. The crucial difference between the two is that MERIT Library is hidden away in the Teacher Education building, meaning it’s gone blissfully undiscovered by the majority of the student body. It is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday — located on 225 N Mills St.

Nancy Nicholas Hall

Home to the School of Human Ecology, Nancy Nicholas Hall hosts classes for niche majors like interior architecture and textiles & fashion design. It also has its own café with lots of tables and chairs and public galleries, featuring rotating exhibitions, to peruse between readings and Canvas quizzes. It is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, located on 1300 Linden Dr.

Upper floors of Memorial Union

You might see “Memorial Union” on this list and scoff — rightly, because there’s probably no busier spot on campus. But the truth is that the second and third floors of the building are woefully underutilized, in spite of having quiet reading rooms, armchairs to sink into and sprawling views of Lake Mendota. It is open 7 a.m. to 11 pm. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 11p.m. Sunday located on 800 Langdon St.