11 of the Best Study Spaces in Binghamton
We always hear that change is a good thing, so why not change up where you study? A new study spot may be all the inspiration you need to regain motivation and focus at any point in the semester. In my four years at Binghamton, I have found a new study space each semester to bring myself motivation and the feelings of an academic fresh start. Below are a few study spots my friends and I love. Try them out for yourself, and see which one is best for you!
1. John Arthur Café
John Arthur Café is a hidden gem I wish I would have discovered earlier. Not only do they have the best flavored cappuccinos on campus, and extremely kind staff, but the floor-to-ceiling windows allow for a bright and motivating atmosphere to get all of your work done.
Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: Closed
2. University Undergrounds Lounge
The University Undergrounds Lounge is located in the basement of the University Union, and is a great place to study if you’re someone who doesn’t mind a little bit of background noise. In the Undergrounds Lounge, you’ll find students grabbing a bite to eat at the Food Co-Op, playing pool or challenging their friends to a game of bowling. However, you’ll also find students working on group projects, or completely in the zone studying solo. No matter what you decide to do in this space, it can be the perfect place to get some work done, and take a study break. Don’t forget - the MarketPlace is right upstairs if you get hungry and want to pay Mein Bowl Mary a visit!
Sunday: 10 a.m.-midnight
Monday–Thursday: 7 a.m.-midnight
Friday: 7 a.m.-1 a.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-1 a.m.
3. Innovation Lab
While the Innovation Lab can get a bit noisy, if you happen to walk into the brand new space on a quieter day, it is the perfect place to study. The variety of modern seating and long wall of windows creates a bright and uplifting atmosphere to spend the day absorbed in your work. There are also separate rooms within the space that are perfect for working on group projects, or meeting with classmates to go over materials. You’ll also always be able to find a charger, as you can find them conveniently hanging from the ceiling and along the walls!
Sunday: Noon-2 a.m.
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-2 a.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday: Noon-8 p.m.
4. Jazzman's Booths
If you are lucky enough to secure a spot at one of the rare Jazzman’s booths, you are in for a productive day. With outlets conveniently located under each seat, and your favorite latte and croissant only a few steps away, there isn’t any lack of motivation in this space. Also positioned next to large windows overlooking the courtyard, the Jazzman’s booths can bring so much light to an otherwise mundane, work-filled day.
Sunday: Noon-2 a.m.
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-2 a.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday: Noon-8 p.m.
5. Hebrew and Arabic Room
If you’re bored of the typical study spaces on the second floor of Bartle Library, try the tucked-away Hebrew and Arabic Room. Positioned to the right of the bathrooms on the second floor of the library, it’s a perfectly quiet study spot I’ve always been able to find a seat in. Whether you go alone or with friends, there are plenty of tables as well as independent study desks to take advantage of!
Sunday: Noon-2 a.m.
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-2 a.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday: Noon-8 p.m.
6. Science Library
Hidden underneath Science I is the lesser-known Science Library. While it isn’t as popular as Bartle, it is a perfect place to study. With less people frequenting this space, it isn’t only easier to find a seat, but it is also quieter, and the perfect place to get in the zone. This hidden gem has designated study spaces available which can be reserved here, to ensure you have an uninterrupted study session!
Sunday: Noon-9 p.m.
Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
7. Union Atrium
Right above the Fleishman Center and busy MarketPlace is the beautiful Union Atrium with small high top tables and chairs for students to study. Overlooking the Peace Quad, the Atrium is a brightly lit and quiet study spot in comparison to other places in The Union. If you start to get hungry, or feel like you need a study break, this is the perfect location, as you’re only a few steps away from your favorite MarketPlace meal, or an iced coffee from Dunkin’!
Sunday: 10 a.m.-midnight
Monday–Thursday: 7 a.m.-midnight
Friday: 7 a.m.-1 a.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-1 a.m.
8. Classroom Wing Corners
One might think that the Classroom Wing would get noisy with so much movement between classes, but I have found that it’s quite the opposite! Aside from small periods of noise in between popular class times, these cozy corners are primarily silent and have a variety of comfortable modern seating! Try it out— it might be your new favorite spot!
9. CIW Library
I discovered our University’s lesser-known library during my second semester,when I signed myself up for economics tutoring services. This cozy library has so much variety in study space options: whether you want an isolated desk, a study room with a white board or a large table to do work in a group, CIW Library has it all!
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday: Noon-6 p.m.
Sunday: Noon.-10 p.m.
Living Off-Campus? Check Out These Study Spaces Downtown!
10. StrangeBrew
If you live downtown and aren’t in the mood to make the trek to campus, head over to StrangeBrew for a coffee, bubble tea, soup or sandwich to accompany your studies! The ambiance is great, and the soft music is the perfect level of background noise to get some work done! If you are someone who finds studying with a friend motivates you, this is the perfect meeting place.
Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
11. University Downtown Center
If you need a more regimented study space, head over to the UDC, but don’t forget your BU ID to scan yourself in at the door! The UDC library has a very similar setup and ambiance to PODS in Bartle, so if you enjoy studying there, this is the perfect place for you!
Saturday-Sunday: Noon-5 p.m.
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
If you want to explore even more potential places to study, check out our previous blogs on other students’ favorite study spots!
Nicole El Chami is a senior majoring in English and she interns in the Office of Media and Public Relations here at Binghamton University. She is excited to begin graduate school in the Fall where she will be working towards her career goal of becoming an English teacher. In her free time she loves making new playlists and going on walks with her dog.
Have questions, comments or concerns about the blog? Email us at social@binghamton.edu.