NYU Abu Dhabi

Bird’s eye view of the Abu Dhabi Library.

The open, airy NYU Abu Dhabi Library has a domed ceiling and a suspended mezzanine level. It’s a perfect study spot: it provides ample space to interact with faculty and fellow students as well as quiet areas for concentration and contemplation.

“The reading room upstairs in the library is the perfect place to study,” says Angelina Gerlich, a Social Research and Public Policy major at NYU Abu Dhabi. “If you really need somewhere quiet, there’s no better place to go. Especially during finals week, the intense silence is great motivation to keep going.”

Three students sit and chat together in the Marketplace.

The Marketplace in NYU Abu Dhabi’s Campus Center is a gathering and dining space. It also doubles as a favorite NYU study spot. Students come here to complete assignments or meet with classmates to discuss group projects over a cup of coffee.

NYU in New York City

A large hall in Bobst Library, with multiple study spots full of working students.

The flagship of NYU’s eight-library system, Bobst Library in New York City is a well-loved NYU study spot. It offers approximately 3,000 seats for student study as well as specialized resources, such as a center for music and media. It also boasts a digital studio and a data services lab equipped with high-performance computers.

“There’s a reason Bobst Library is legendary among NYU students,” says Ben Bonnici, a Theatre major at NYU Tisch. “If the towering bookshelves don’t inspire you, the sheer variety of study environments will. From its whisper-quiet floors to the more lively communal spaces, Bobst is the Swiss Army knife of study spots.”

Multiple floors of the Kimmel center, full of students eating, talking, and studying.

The Kimmel Center for University Life is located in the heart of the Washington Square campus. It provides numerous spots for study, including music rooms. On the 2nd and 3rd floors, Peet’s Coffee and the Kimmel Marketplace, respectively, have lounge areas with comfortable seating in addition to computer stations and dining facilities. Even more student lounges are located on the 8th and 9th floors.

Students study on comfortable sofas and chairs in the Paulson Center.

Additionally, the new Paulson Center for Student Life offers students a variety of study spaces. With nearly 40 percent of the building dedicated to academic resources, you’ll find both quiet drop-in study rooms and larger collaboration rooms for group study. The Paulson Center is also home to The Commons, a spacious hall perfect for gathering with a group.

“I love the quiet study spots at the Paulson Center,” says Anjana Rajesh. She’s a Business and Technology Management major at NYU Tandon. “I also love the Paulson Center’s classrooms for group study spots. My friends and I will reserve a classroom and spend the day finishing work there. It’s extra convenient because Paulson also has a dining hall.”

NYU Shanghai

NYU Shanghai’s New Bund Campus opened in the Spring of 2023 and offers students a variety of rooms and spaces to study. From the suspended John E. Sexton Bridge to the spacious Magnolia House, there’s a study spot for you. Meanwhile, the campus’ new, 5,000-square-meter library is equipped with reservable solo and group study rooms, a high performance computer lab, an XR lab, and more.

“I love studying in the West 3rd floor,” says Kaye Richelle Duarte, a Neural Science major at NYU Shanghai. “There’s a quiet room with huge windows that’s very quiet. Plus, you get a really good view of Shanghai.”

If you want to take your studies outdoors, the Campus Courtyard was designed to maximize natural light throughout the year. It serves as a serene gathering place for all: its lush greenery and open layout create an inviting environment for relaxation, study, and reflection.

“My favorite study spot on campus is under the friendship tree in the courtyard,” says Nigel Dai, a Data Science major at NYU Shanghai. “I love sitting there to catch up on readings between classes or enjoying coffee with friends from one of our on-campus cafes.”