Published November 02, 2023
The Best NYU Study Spots: Beyond Bobst Library
Hey there, fellow and future NYU Violets! Whether you’re an NYU first year simply trying to navigate this sprawling urban campus or a seasoned senior with a caffeine addiction, finding that perfect study spot can be game-changing. Trust me, I’ve been there—lugging my tote bag from one end of campus to the other, seeking out that elusive corner where productivity magically skyrockets. So let me share some spots that have earned my stamp of approval.
Finding Your Study Groove: Discovering NYU’s Best Spots to Hit the Books
Bobst Library
I am starting with the obvious. However, bear with me. There’s a reason Bobst Library is legendary among NYU students. If the towering bookshelves don’t inspire you, the sheer variety of study environments will. From its whisper-quiet floors (my personal favorite is the 7th floor, where the Avery Fisher Center for Music and Media is located) to the more lively communal spaces, Bobst is the Swiss Army knife of study spots. Protip: Explore the different floors to find your vibe. And if you can snag a spot by the window? You’re golden.
Kimmel Center for University Life
The Kimmel Center is the ultimate chameleon. Need a spot for group study? Check. A place to rest your head down in between classes? Check. A picturesque view to serve as the backdrop of your latest Instagram story? Double check. The higher you go, the better the view!
Washington Square Park
When the weather’s playing nice, not much beats the ambiance of Washington Square Park. Grab a blanket, spread out under a tree, and let the gentle hum of the city be your background music. People-watching provides a perfect little break between study sessions. Plus, with food vendors all around, snacks are just a hop, skip, and jump away!
John A. Paulson Center
Listen up! The John A. Paulson Center is NYU’s shiny new building, and everyone’s invited. The modern design is droolworthy, and the spaces are geared toward collaborative projects and solo study marathons. Do you want huge windows? Check. Inspiring city views? Double check. And the atrium? It screams innovation. You can even reserve music rehearsal spaces if you have an upcoming recital or class or just want to practice some tunes! As someone who loves to play piano and sing, these facilities are the sanctuary for my mental reset.
Think Coffee
Think Coffee is a student’s dream. There are a couple locations near the Washington Square Park campus. The coffee? Exquisite. The ambiance? Just the right mix of buzzing and cozy. Perfect for a marathon reading session or putting the finishing touches on that assignment due…um, tomorrow.
From quiet corners for deep dives into textbooks to buzzing spots that feed off the city’s energy, NYU’s landscape offers a smorgasbord of study-spot choices. And with the campus nestled in the heart of Manhattan, we’re spoiled with options both on and off the grid. So strap on your exploring shoes, fellow Violets! And dive into the NYU scene and find that study groove. May the odds of nabbing the best spot be ever in your favor!