Hi everyone, and happy finals season! As a first-year student, I am currently entering
my first college finals season (very nerve racking).
You don’t need me to tell you that the key to success in your finals will ultimately be
directly correlated to time spent preparing and studying. I have always found that what
determines the efficiency of my studying is my space, both physical and mental. UF is
full of great secrets, and some not-so-secret, study spots across its campus that are
ideal spaces to spend your time leading up to finals week.
1. The Great Library Debate
The Marston vs Lib West debate is a tale as old as time on UF’s campus. Personally,
I’m a Lib West girl, but to each their own. Both major libraries are more obvious study
spots for finals week, but none the less they each have appealing characteristics for a
study space. Marston’s 4th and 5th floors are great for fully focused, silent studying, and
Lib West’s booths and XL tables are perfect for group study sessions. Not to mention,
both libraries have a Starbucks on their ground floors.
2. The Plaza of The Americas
The Plaza of The Americas is personally one of my favorite places to study throughout
the day on campus. If you are feeling trapped from spending too much time under the
fluorescent lights of the library, the Plaza is a great way to enjoy being outdoors, while
still being productive.There are tons of options for studying in the Plaza; there are picnic
tables, grassy areas to lay down a blanket, and even designated hammocking areas.
Another one of my favorite things about the Plaza is its location. It is easy to stop there
in between classes to get a few things done because it is so centrally located. Whatever
it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
3. Newell Hall
Newell Hall’s greatest appeal is that it is currently the only designated study location on
UF’s campus that is open 24 hours a day. While I would never encourage pulling
all-nighters, sometimes they become necessary, and Newell Hall is a great option for
when you find yourself in those situations. I also may or may not know from personal
experience that Uber Eats drivers can deliver to Newell Hall’s front door :)
4. The Reitz
While Reitz Union has a ton of indoor study spaces for students, my favorite place to
get work done in the Reitz is outside by the pond. The Reitz Union Amphitheatre has
large grassy steps with cabana-like overhead covers that look directly over Green Pond.
These steps are another great place to study while also enjoying being outdoors.
Additionally, the Reitz is convenient for its free printing room funded by Student
Government, which is such an under-appreciated gem on campus!
Because I focused on on-campus study spots, I wanted to mention some off-campus
favorites as well! Fourth Ave Food Park, Depot Park, and Midpoint Eatery are my
favorite outdoor study spaces if you are looking for off-campus options. Any local coffee
shops like Opus, CYM Coffee Co., and Karma Cream are great indoor spaces if you are
looking to escape campus.
Also, remember to take time for yourself throughout the coming weeks. Whether that’s a
workout, journaling, or just carving out time to enjoy a meal, keep yourself grounded, a
healthy body and mind are the ultimate key to success.
Finals season is naturally a very stressful time for students, so find a place that makes
you feel happy and safe, as you’ll be spending a lot of time there. Your mental health is
most important throughout this season, so find a space that protects that peace!
Good luck on finals everyone! Happy studying!
With Love,
Zoe Vann and Kappa Alpha Theta
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