With exams right around the corner, everyone deserves to have a space where they can hunker down and lock-in during potentially the most dreaded week of the entire year— finals week. Sick of sitting in your dorm and need a change of scenery? Claim your new favorite study spot below.

The Red Gym

Located across the street from Library Mall and next to the Memorial Union, the Red Gym serves as a great study spot for those who aren’t interested in the hustle and bustle of the MemU. Its various cultural centers and student support services offer inclusive spaces for students with diverse backgrounds. Home to the McBurney Disability Resource Center and Disability Cultural center, the building is also wheelchair accessible and places a special focus on accessibility. 

Memorial Union

Considered by many to be the heart and soul of campus, the Memorial Union is the perfect study spot for students who do their best work enveloped in sound. Always busy, there are a variety of spaces people can utilize for their studying needs. Hungry and need to take a break? The Union offers a multitude of restaurants from Strada to Rathskeller so that students can satisfy their cravings and get right back to their books without skipping a beat. When the weather gets warmer, students may also enjoy a side of fresh air with their studying by grabbing a rainbow chair and claiming a seat on the terrace outlooking Lake Mendota.  

Leopold’s Books Bar Caffé

Looking for some separation from campus? Leopold’s Books Bar Caffé provides students with a calm and relaxing atmosphere that is just far enough away from campus and yet close enough to hop on the bus with your bag and books. Want a study buddy? Invite a friend to come along and enjoy a coffee while you study away. 

College Library

Just one of the many libraries on campus, the College Library has accessible entry including automatic doors, making it an ideal location for everyone to study. 

Memorial Library

Feeling hopeless about your exams and needing to literally lock yourself away from the rest of the world? The Memorial Library located in Library Mall sounds like the perfect place for you. Take the stairs or the elevator up to the 4th, 5th and 6th floors to the infamous cages for the ultimate no distractions zone. 

Wisconsin Historical Society

Interested in feeling like you’re in a Harry Potter movie while studying? Located in Library Mall, the Wisconsin Historical Society houses the Historical Library which provides students with the opportunity to be immersed in the timeless vibes this space provides. As a bonus, after you’re done studying, take a tour to learn all about the history of the state of Wisconsin, or look through millions of documents, manuscripts, maps, photos and more to help you write that final paper you’ve been procrastinating on. 

Science Hall

For those looking for a quiet place to study, Science Hall, located at the base of Bascom Hill, is the opportune location. Look out geography majors. This hall includes The Map Library for students who are looking to incorporate a visual aid to spice up any final projects they may have. For individuals with disabilities, the library offers armless chairs in its public computing areas so that everyone is able to comfortably find what they need or study. 

Union South 

Is the Memorial Union too busy? Try Union South! With diverse spaces from quiet nooks to more social spaces like The Sett, Union South makes for a great study spot for everyone. Engineering students who are sick of walking marathons to class look no further– Union South is less than a five minute walk from Engineering Hall.    

Despite priding itself for being accessible and disability friendly, there are still some questionable places on campus that students may want to avoid. Keep reading to find out which places are a no go for your next studying spree.

Van Hise

While not considered officially inaccessible, it has been noted that the upper floors of certain buildings on campus including Van Hise are lacking standard accessible features such as elevators and space, making it less equipped for all needs compared to other buildings and a space that isn’t conducive for students with disabilities to study. 

The Wisconsin Water Library

Although it has some accessibility features like ramps and accessible restrooms, it is known for its physical limitation including narrow doorways and tight aisleways making it challenging for certain mobility devices like wheelchairs to navigate its halls and a place for those with disabilities to avoid.