Ask any UChicago student what their favorite study spots on campus are, and you'll get dozens of different answers. There are so many good places to work on campus, from our multitude of libraries to student-run coffee shops to the little nook and crannies on and around campus. And while we have so many different options, I personally find myself sticking to a few places I truly love.
The Reg - a fan favorite
One of a select few buildings designed in the brutalist architecture style, the Regenstein library is a building whose exterior truly does not match all the life that goes on in it. Having some of the latest open hours out of any of the libraries on campus, 7 different floors where you can choose to study, and it's own in-house cafe, you can't go into the Reg without bumping into someone you know. It's a very popular place to work, and for good reason. Seating varies from comfy sofa chairs to cubicles with built in lamps, and you can find an outlet almost anywhere you go. The building itself is huge and there's a floor at the exact noise level you need, with the lower levels being collaborative areas and the highest levels being absolutely silent. While the Regenstein library is a go-to space for all students, it's especially a fan-favorite for STEM majors who use the whiteboard walls on the A Levels to work on their PSETs with each other.
Harper - for people that love to romanticize studying
Known for its Harry Potter-esque design, Harper Memorial Library is the face of much UChicago memorabilia. With giant crystal chandeliers, high, arched ceilings, and long tables with baroque lamps at each seat, Harper seems like it belongs in a different time period. It has giant windows that cover its two main walls, so I love Harper when I want to work in a place with a lot of natural lighting. Also, right outside Harper is Harper Cafe, another of the student-run cafes on campus. Location-wise, Harper is situated right by the majority of the social science, humanities, and classics classes, so I love going to Harper before/after my Core classes just to get some work done.
Hack Arts Lab in the MADD Center - for creatives
As a Media Arts and Design major with a minor in architecture, I inevitably end up at the Media Arts, Data and Design Center on a daily basis. Yes the majority of my classes are located there, but even if they weren't I love working there for more hands-on projects. There's 3D printers, laser cutters, embroidery machines, VR goggles, and more if you need them (along with a game room fully stocked with every board and video game you could imagine). It's also a place that encourages collaboration among peers, so you can talk freely without worrying about disturbing anyone. I love working on architecture projects there because you have access to several different kinds of paper, modeling materials, and art supplies, and the tables are big enough that you can sprawl everything out while you're sketching. It's also good knowing that if you ever get stuck on a project or how to use a piece of equipment, there are people there dedicated to helping you.
Grounds of Being - for people who can't start their day without a cup of coffee
Grounds of Being is one of the student-run coffee shops on campus. It's located in a corner of the basement of the Divinity School, and would be difficult to find if not for a single board advertising it and its fame on campus. Be warned: Grounds of Being is cash-only (the only student-run coffee shop that doesn't accept Maroon Dollars), but it's so worth it. They serve Colectivo Coffee, which if you haven't tried is incredible, along with my absolute favorite – their sweet matcha lattes. I always find myself at Grounds of Being as a pick-me-up when I know I have a long day ahead of me.
Bonus: The Roux
So this one's a bonus because it's not "technically" a part of the UChicago campus, but it's a five minute walk from North Residential Commons and is worth mentioning. The Roux is a new coffee shop/diner that opens early and has some of the BEST beignets I've had in Chicago. They have a huge open seating area with rustic/minimalist decor, and are a great place to study for people that like snacking while working. They also always have great music playing, which I personally love listening to while working.