51¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ

This article from the archives was updated Aug. 26, 2024.

There’s no worse feeling than carrying a bag loaded with books across campus only to find that someone else has sprawled their assignments across your favorite table in the Commons Room. It’s even worse when there’s not an empty seat in sight.

No need to fret. There are plenty of study spots nearby — if you know where to look.

Several 51¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ schools have their own , which are open to the entire University community and often less crowded than Hillman. You can also use an around campus.

Keep scrolling for tips to find your perfect location, even in some of the 51¾«Æ·ÊÓƵsburgh campus’ most popular buildings:

Hillman Library

While the first floor is typically buzzing with chatter, you’ll find more quiet spaces the higher you venture in Hillman Library. There are spacious seating areas on the third floor, where you can study among the archives and stacks. Those who need noise at an absolute minimum should seek out a spot on the fourth floor of Hillman Library, where conversation and noise are prohibited. Both floors have private, enclosed for up to five people.

William 51¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ UnionÌý

To find this next stop, step off the elevator on the sixth floor of the William 51¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ Union. The is a conversational, comfortable place to study. Through its wide glass doors are couches, chairs and a kitchenette where you can warm up a lunch or make a cup of coffee to fuel your study session.

Cathedral of LearningÌý

You’ll be lucky to find an open seat in the Cathedral Commons Room during busy study days. Instead, venture up to floors 35 and 36 — home of 51¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ’s — for group and individual study spaces complete with a sprawling view of Oakland from the top of the Cathedral. Most floors have small, less-populated study spots hidden among offices and classrooms, so don’t hesitate to press your luck with a random stop on the elevator.

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— Obianuju Okoye and Nora Smith, photography by Tom Altany