With midterm season officially here and long-term class projects finally starting, folks will be looking for somewhere that isn’t their room or the library to study.

To help, we compiled some of the best spots for that lock-in session.

Chambers Building Bridge

Even if you’re not an education major, the Chambers Building has plenty of great spots to set up and get work done. You can book study rooms, but the bridge is definitely an underrated spot.

With huge windows, comfortable booths, and plenty of outlets, it’s hard to beat. Most people don’t know about it or think to study there, so it’s always quiet and great for a group!

UHS Courtyard

If you want fresh air before it gets too cold to sit outside, the University Health Services (UHS) courtyard is a great spot.

Even though it can get busy during passing periods, plenty of tables and trees provide shade, making it a perfect spot to pull out your laptop and start reviewing your notes.

ECoRE Building

If you like a noisy study spot, check out the Engineering Collaborative Research and Education (ECoRE) Building. With study spots on multiple floors and places to grab a drink or some food, you can stay locked in for hours.

Even if you want to sit outside, the courtyard is gorgeous, with multiple tables and benches to relax at.

Redifer Commons

Another busier area is South Residence Hall Commons with plenty of tables, booths, high tops, and couches to hunker down in.

Plus, the basement and second floor have quiet study spaces with comfortable chairs. And of course, you can take a break mid-study session to grab some lunch or dinner from the market or any of the eateries.

Throw on some headphones, and you have the perfect spot for hours of studying.

Life Sciences Bridge

Yet another bridge has made the list.

The walkway above the Shortlidge Plaza is one of the best spots because it offers a view and is quiet.

Sometimes studying for hours on end gets boring, but the Huck Life Sciences Building Bridge lets folks people-watch for a quick brain break before getting back to their notes. Just make sure you don’t get too distracted!

Willard Classrooms

Many people forget that Penn State is an open campus, so make the most of it! Almost all buildings are open around the clock, so if you need to get out of the room but aren’t sure where to go, find an empty classroom in the Willard Building, put on some music or a show on the projector, and get to work.

As long as you leave the room as you found it and make sure you’re not studying in someone’s club space, empty classrooms are a great place for a temporary study room.

Wherever you end up hunkering down to study, make sure to bring a laptop charger and some snacks.

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