Oxford’s best study spots: a complete list

It’s the first week of class, and if you aren’t already busy juggling classes, extracurricular activities, jobs and more, you will be soon.

While finding time to study and work on homework is crucial, finding a good place to study is just as important. Here, in no particular order, are some of the best study spots, both on and off campus.

King Library

King Library is one of the more popular study spots on campus, and for good reason.

Each floor has plenty of tables and desks. The first floor is generally pretty quiet, and the second and third floors are almost silent and provide a good place to focus.

The basement allows for more noise, making it a good place to do schoolwork with other people, whether you’re working on a group project or just hanging out with friends. It also has King Café, so you can get coffee and snacks.

There are also study rooms on each floor you can reserve for free with your Miami ID.

Armstrong Student Center

Armstrong Student Center is one of my go-to study spots because of its central location on campus. Like King Library, it also has study rooms located throughout the building.

You can find seating just about anywhere: Café Lux, the food court and on the third floor by the pavilion. The Shade Family Room also has a lot of seating and gives cozy vibes with all its couches and armchairs. Plus, all of Armstrong’s food options are at your disposal for a pick-me-up while studying.

In terms of busyness and noise level, I think Armstrong has a good balance. It can either be really loud or so silent you can hear a pin drop, depending on the time of day you’re there and where you’re seated.

Outdoors

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Take advantage of the nice, warm weather before winter comes and study outside!

Set up a hammock between the trees on Academic Quad or on Western Campus. Grab a group of friends and lay out blankets on Central Quad. If you want a flatter workspace, most buildings have tables set up outside that you can use.

You can also take your work to the Uptown Park. There is a big, open grass area as well as some picnic tables and benches.

Your residence hall/room

Most residence halls have at least one study room that doesn’t require a reservation. This is a good place to work solo or with your roommate or neighbors.

Your room can also be a good study spot if you’re looking for somewhere that’s more on the quiet side.

Academic buildings

Most academic buildings on campus have lobbies or other spaces for students to work. It’s usually pretty quiet and easy to find somewhere to sit in these spaces, depending on how busy the building is.

If you stumble upon an empty classroom, this can be another great place to study. A classroom provides plenty of workspace and you can even use the whiteboards and projectors for writing out math problems or pulling up lecture slides on the screen.

Just be respectful of professors or organizations coming in that have the room reserved.

Kofenya

Kofenya has recently become another one of my go-to study spots. This little coffee shop on High Street has a very warm and inviting atmosphere.

It also has good coffee, which is a bonus.

The seating is limited, which means it is usually busy. If you like a bit of a more lively environment to work in that is also cozy at the same time, then Kofenya is the place to be.

Starbucks

Keeping up with the coffee shop theme, the on-campus Starbucks located in the Shriver Center is another hotspot.

Admittedly, it’s not my favorite because it’s typically too busy for my liking, but it seems to be popular among people who like to work around a lot of other people and in a bustling place. You’ll want to get there early because seating fills up fast.

One plus about Starbucks is the easy access to getting food and drinks.

There are plenty of good study spots both on and off campus. Try these out and find what works best for you.

@meta__hoge

hogemh@miamioh.edu