Campus study spots you may not have considered  

Story and photos by Johnny Media

Finding that perfect spot to post up and dive deep into your writing, work on the world’s next best documentary, study for your upcoming exam or just get lost in your reading is vital for success at the University of Oregon (UO).

The UO has an untold number of handy locations to get in your groove and focus on your work. Everyone has their favorites and criteria for what they look for in these paramount study spots, including me. Here are my top three places to zone out and focus that go beyond our amazing Knight Library.

1. Allen Hall

The Allen Hall atrium at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication students studying in the Allen Hall atrium at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication A student using a laptop studies in front of a wall covered in handwritten announcements in Allen Hall at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication

Home to the School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC), this is the best place for collaboration when you’re an SOJC student. You’ve got support at your fingertips in so many ways. It's easy to grab a peer, who’s probably also studying, as a pair of new eyes to look over your work or help you brainstorm your next amazing idea. You’re also just a knock on the door away from sitting down with any one of our amazing professors and faculty.

You can easily get help with writing projects in our awesome peer-to-peer support lab, Writing Central. Maybe you need a piece of tech to finish your latest incredible project? The Allen Hall J-Cage is our one-stop shop for all things equipment and gear. Plus, there is a ton of space to sit and work on whatever you have on your plate on any given day.

From its state-of-the-art labs to its studios and workspaces, Allen Hall at the heart of the SOJC is the best place to buckle down and get work done at any time.

2. The Science Library

The Allan Price Science Commons on the University of Oregon campus The Allan Price Science Commons on the University of Oregon campus The Allan Price Science Commons on the University of Oregon campus The Allan Price Science Commons on the University of Oregon campus

Looking for a change of scenery? The Allan Price Science Commons, often referred to as “the Science Library,” is my recommendation.

Open to all students, not just those majoring or minoring in a science, it has natural light that bounces through the halls. The open floor plan is conducive to studying and allows you to feel uncrowded even when the space is full of students working away on their many projects. I love the maker space and tons of study space it has to offer. The fact that  Elements CaFe is on the ground floor to keep me snacked and caffeinated doesn’t hurt either. And the interesting science scenery that decorates the walls around Allan Price Science Commons gives you something to look at when you are giving your eyes a break from your laptop.

3. The Erb Memorial Union

View from the second floor rooftop of the Erb Memorial Union on the University of Oregon campus The Erb Memorial Union (EMU) on the University of Oregon campus The Erb Memorial Union (EMU) on the University of Oregon campus

Moving away from buildings with some variation of Allen in the name, the Erb Memorial Union (EMU) is a great location to get some studying done. Located in the heart of campus, the EMU has a huge range of study-spot options to offer.

Looking for a quiet corner to buckle down and focus? You’ll find it on the third floor. Want to get some sun or work in the fresh air? The second-floor rooftop has an amazing view of 13th Avenue and the east side of campus. Need a place for a group of friends to study? The ground floor has many options, including the O Lounge, which offers tons of comfortable seating and even a pool table to help blow off some steam while studying. There are also computer labs, a craft center, an art gallery, student lounge spaces and 10 different food options. The EMU has something for everyone.

Honorable Mention: The outside courtyard between Chapman and Tykeson halls

The Tykeson Hall courtyard on the University of Oregon campus

Nothing beats reading an article or writing a story under the Oregon sun. This beautiful courtyard is a great place to do just that. Flanked by blossoming daisies and tulips and shaded by blooming trees, the Tykeson courtyard is the perfect place to get your work done while also enjoying the beauty that is the UO campus. We’re fortunate to be located on 295 acres of Oregon perfection and this spot highlights that perfectly. This is my go-to location for reconnecting with the nature that surrounds our campus. It also doesn’t hurt that the WiFi works perfectly out there as well.

I hope you found a new study spot today, or that I helped highlight a feature you didn’t know about before. The wonderful thing about our breathtaking campus is that there is no shortage of amazing locations to enjoy while you grind away. Happy studying, y’all!

—By Johnny Media, class of ’23

Johnny Media is a junior majoring in journalism with a minor in sports business. This is Media’s first year writing for the SOJC Communication Office. He has previously written for The Commuter and is currently working as a student ambassador for the SOJC. He loves getting opportunities to highlight the amazing alumni who have come through Allen Hall as well as the students still excelling here today. You can view more of his work on his personal blog.