As the flowers bloom, the trees blossom and the ponds around campus begin to fill, the grass appears to be getting greener for students at the University of Denver. Each day the sun sets later and Denver’s 300 days of sunshine per year is starting to shine true. This can only be a sign of one thing: summer break is near.
The seasonality we are experiencing is celebrated on campus in a variety of ways. Spike ball nets have practically become a permanent feature of the campus green, frat guys wearing flip flops can be found in every classroom and lawn space near dorms are packed with countless sunbathers as the UV climbs. Each of these spring activities are accompanied with infectious energy that makes prioritizing homework feel impossible.
The key to overcoming a springtime school slump is finding the perfect study spot. Here is a list of the top 10 study spots on campus that you probably didn’t know about.
1. ECS atrium
The south side of campus is home to the beautiful Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science building. ECS is rarely visited by non-STEM students, aside from the occasional poke bowl run, but the building has a ton of hidden gems. At its peak is the fifth story event space featuring high ceilings capped with an observation dome and large skylight. This spot is great for group study sessions and solo lock-ins.
2. Morgridge fourth story balcony
Perhaps the biggest hidden gem on campus is the Morgridge College of Education building. Primarily a space for graduate students, Morgridge is located at the central location of the Evans and High intersection. A short elevator ride to the fourth floor leads you out to a balcony that faces west towards the mountains. Homework and a view? An elite combo.
3. Mary Reed Terrace
Everyone thinks they’re original for finding Mary Reed’s “Harry Potter” room, but there’s a reason why that study spot did not qualify for this list. The grassy terrace outside is an incredibly underutilized space. Occupants are rare, making this a great outdoor area that is never overcrowded.
4. Margery Reed Balcony
Margery Reed also has an infamous study spot found outside on the first floor porch. But if you’re not afraid of heights, venture up to the second floor balcony. Accessible only through classrooms at the top of both Margery Reed staircases, it can be tricky to find. However, the view overlooking Daniels College of Business and University Hall is hard to beat.
The balcony is only accessible via the classrooms at the top of the staircases, and the access doors are easy to miss but are worth the effort to find.
5. Law School Library
Although special access is required, experiencing this multistory library found in the Sturm College of Law makes the AAC appear even less desirable than it already does. From solo-study desks to brown leather recliner chairs to dispersed plants throughout, the law school library is a great study spot that the rest of campus simply can’t touch… literally.
6. Craig Hall courtyard
Craig Hall is yet another building most frequently utilized exclusively by graduate students. Take a peak behind Nagel Hall, beyond the parking ramp, where an isolated courtyard sits just outside Craig.
7. Iliff School of Theology picnic tables
Although the Iliff School of Theology (IST) is not officially a part of the University of Denver, its nearby grassy areas certainly are. You can find two picnic benches on the east side of IST with views of University Hall and a large grassy knoll. This study spot feels both isolated from distracting passerbyes, while also offering the occasional people-watching opportunity of University Boulevard.
8. Hidden red chairs outside of SIE Complex
It is no secret dozens of red and white chairs can be found all over campus. But two in particular are tucked away behind the shrubbery outside the SIE complex, sandwiched between lush bushes and the soon-to-be filled ponds near Evans Chapel. These two red chairs require some hunting, but they’re well worth it.
9. CCOM third floor balcony
The Community Commons (CCOM) really does offer many common spaces for every community. Through a conference room on the third floor of CCOM, you can find a balcony that looks over the Sturm green, transfer house and more.
10. Courtyard behind 2060 South Gaylord Street
This study spot is so unique, it can’t be found on Google maps. Believed to be an administrative building, and many years ago a campus fraternity, this location hosts a courtyard like no other. With an entrance facing the Sturm College of Law, this courtyard is private, beautiful and easy to miss. Hurry there before the spring cherry blossoms that line the yard fully bloom.
