By: Devynne Housa
It’s back to school season, and we all know that this brings two dilemmas: studying, and finding a good place to study. With over 30,000 undergraduate students at CSULB, it can be difficult to squeeze in at a desk on the fifth floor of the library. Luckily, there are some places on campus that are a little less crowded, where you can set up camp and get a good cram sesh in.
Without further ado, here’s a list of my top 5 (somewhat) hidden study spaces on campus.
1. Honors Office - Room 507, Library, Fifth Floor
Alright, so this one isn’t really hidden from us, but more Honors students really should utilize this space. With comfortable couches, clean desks, whiteboards, TV’s, a mini fridge, microwave, printer, and computers, the Honors Office really has it all. And since it’s an exclusive perk for Honors students, it's usually not too crowded, making it a perfect study spot during peak exam seasons.
2. USU Conference Rooms - University Student Union, 2nd + 3rd floors
Many students don’t realize this, but any of the conference rooms in the USU that are not reserved are open to all students to use. That’s right - all of them. Just check the agenda on the doors to the conference rooms for the reservations for that day, and if the room is not reserved, jump on in.
3. 2nd Floor, University Bookstore
If you like a more high-energy study spot and don’t mind more noise, then the second floor of the Bookstore may be the perfect place. Tables and couches line the walkways, and are usually free during less popular study times, and you can even watch a movie or play some guitar on your breaks.
*Extra study hack* If you need to use a textbook you don’t have, you could snag it from the first floor and use while you’re there. Just be sure to put it back where you found it!
4. ASI Recreation Robeks - ASI Student Recreation and Wellness Center
If you workout on campus, you’ve probably been to the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, aka the prettiest gym in Long Beach. What you may not have noticed is the area with couches and tables by the entrance, right next to the Robeks. Since it is such a far walk from center campus, it’s usually not too crowded, and you can enjoy a delicious smoothie while you work. Win-win!
5. Major-Specific Study Spaces - Various locations
While this isn’t one specific location, many departments on campus have dedicated study spaces specifically for their students only. The engineering students have the Engineering Tutoring Center, the journalism students have the Lee Brown Room, the psychology students have the Psychology Student Study Center - you get the point. A lot of the time, these rooms aren’t highly advertised, meaning they’re less packed, and usually have extra resources that will be helpful to you in your major. Check out your department’s website to see if there’s a study space you don’t know about.