As fall term finals approach, students are scrambling for reliable indoor study spaces. The VanCougar has compiled a list of the coziest locations on campus for exam preparations–whether studying alone or in a group of 10, we have laid out the buildings that provide the best amenities, ambiance and privacy.
The Science and Engineering Building hosts a wide variety of study spaces on all of its floors. Upstairs lives an atrium filled with natural light, a few desks, chairs, couches and magazines. Plants adorn the vicinity, and a large window boasts an elevated view of the campus. On bright days, sunshine showers and livens the room; on rainy days, water slowly cascades down the windowsill, offering the perfect study-break distraction. Downstairs across the main hallway, is a staircase containing the Titan VanCoug corpse flower, a table and some chairs. This study nook is accessible from outside the building and the staircase goes up two levels, with each floor containing a small desk and some seating.
The Engineering and Computer Science Building contains small alcoves underneath its main stairway and on the floor’s window inlets. Situated “study cubbies” also feature gorgeous views of Mount Saint Helens. A group study area in room 117A is available to all students. There are also rooms exclusively for computer science and engineering students, accessible via Cougar Card, with several whiteboards, desks, chairs and monitors.
The Library Building is the most accessible campus study area. The library contains study rooms with large desks, whiteboards and chairs. In the center of the library are bookcases that divide two study areas, with the left side containing desks, chairs and a large window facing the east side of campus. The right side contains three reservable study rooms, a media viewing room, iMacs and desktop computers. The back portion of the library has cushy chairs and desks with a view of the walkways and sprawling forests overlooked by Mount Hood.
The first floor of the Multimedia Classroom building contains art labs and an open computer lab with accommodations for groups and individuals. The computer lab is likely one of the most comfortable rooms to study in on campus; there are abundant outlets for charging devices and massive windows surrounding the room with views of the color changing maple trees. A private study room is also located on the second floor in room 201A.
The Undergraduate Building contains small study areas across the main entrance and in the hallway. The second floor has several padded chairs, two study rooms with whiteboards and a foyer that overlooks the mountains and filters sunlight throughout the space. The basement floor of the Undergraduate Building also has a singular, dimly lit desk space for someone looking for privacy while diving into documents.
The Center for Intercultural Learning and Affirmation, located inside the student commons, is one of the liveliest hubs on campus–with desk areas for group studying, couches and beanbags, the center is an inviting space that fosters collective learning. The building also has chargers next to chairs and desks on both the front and rear patios, making it a comfortable and refreshing place to study, especially on warmer days.
A small bay near the elevator in the McClaskey Building provides a more intimate space for hitting the books. Another relatively unknown area to study is located in the Physical Plant building. Upon entering, directly across the hallway in room 30C, there is a small room with a medium-sized desk and chairs, ideal for a small group study session. Finally, the Classroom Building, across from the cafeteria entrance, contains a study area behind the staircase.
As the winter weather approaches, students are searching for study spaces where they feel comfortable, confident and relaxed. WSU Vancouver has many unique areas for students to choose from as they prepare for final exams, each offering different experiences to fit each individual’s study needs. Whether looking for peace and quiet, technology access, breathtaking views or lively group spaces, the WSU Vancouver campus has something to fit every niche.
Shawyan is a junior studying computer science at WSU Vancouver.