With final exams approaching, securing the perfect study environment can be the difference between productive sessions and wasted hours.
Every University of Virginia student studies differently; some need silence, others thrive on background buzz. Whether you’re looking for isolation or collaboration, an environment that’s caffeine-adjacent or outdoors-immersed, this guide highlights some of the University’s top spots to match your finals game plan.
The Distraction-Free Zone
When absolute focus is essential, the stacks of the Charles L. Brown Science & Engineering Library provide a sanctuary from the outside world. Located in the basement of Clark Hall, this spot eliminates visual distractions, making for a focus-friendly environment.
Nestled among bookshelves in the Charles L. Brown Science & Engineering Library, first-year College of Arts & Sciences student Andrew Zavalkoff finds his study sanctuary in the stacks. (Photo by Lathan Goumas, University Communications)
In this two-floor stacks section, individual workspaces (available on a first-come, first-served basis) are nestled between bookshelves lined against the walls. The quiet atmosphere feels profound, almost as if the collective knowledge from thousands of volumes silently infuses your thinking.
First-year student Andrew Zavalkoff is a regular here. “It’s a good quiet spot. It’s personal. I have my own desk and my own space.”
Where Productivity Meets Espresso
Caffeine-fueled students can head to Nau Hall, which offers the perfect combination of study space and energy source: there’s a Grit coffee shop conveniently located on the first floor.
Tables line the glass windows in the study area, flooding the space with natural light to keep you alert and energized while you work.
For sixth-year doctoral student Anderson Frailey, productivity begins with a freshly brewed coffee from Grit and a window seat to create his perfect formula for preclass focus. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
“I love the big natural light coming in and having Grit coffee right here if I need something,” sixth-year doctoral student Anderson Frailey said. “In the morning it’s really quiet here … so it’s a nice place to sit and get a cup of coffee and get a few things done before class.”
Several picnic-style tables are located outside of Nau Hall if you need additional sunlight while you sip a latte or matcha.
For a Meeting of the Minds
The reservable rooms in the Shannon Library are perfect for collaborative studying. These dedicated spaces are designed to break the library’s silence barrier, allowing groups to discuss course material and troubleshoot problems together.
Each of the eight dedicated group study spaces features a spacious table designed for team interaction. The TV screens allow you to display content from your laptop directly to the wall-mounted screens, ensuring everyone remains on the same page during discussions. You’ll also find whiteboards in these spaces, perfect for tackling tough problems with your study group.
Collaborative study requires the right space. Second-year students Tori Pierce and Elle Ochave recommend booking a reservable study room in the Shannon Library to avoid disrupting other library-goers. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
Second-year students Tori Pierce and Elle Ochave meet in these rooms on the library’s third floor for their group sessions.
“These rooms are nice to be able to talk in the library without bothering other students,” Pierce said.
Remember to make reservations in advance, especially during peak study hours.
A Calming Courtyard
When you need fresh air to clear your mind, the Contemplative Commons courtyard offers a peaceful outdoor study environment with the Dell just a few steps away. Contemplative Commons was opened to students this semester, and its beautiful courtyard is a great outdoor study space.
The Contemplative Commons features weekly drop-in wellness programming like meditation sessions and yoga practices, so if you need a mental reset, Contemplative Commons is the perfect place.
The new Contemplative Commons is a calming study destination for first-year student Corinne Rhodes and others drawn to the serene courtyard. (Photo by Lathan Goumas, University Communications)
First-year student Corinne Rhodes finds this spot particularly conducive to productivity. “I like how it’s really calm. Being outdoors and feeling the sunlight makes me more productive,” she said.
Bucket-List Study Spot
Few college students can say they’ve studied in a UNESCO World Heritage Site – but many at UVA can claim this distinction. The majestic Dome Room, located on the third floor of the Rotunda, is the ultimate study location – an experience every Hoo should check off their academic bucket list.
Bathed in natural light through its central skylight, this architectural masterpiece transforms routine studying into an inspirational experience. The Dome Room’s soaring ceiling, ornate columns and rich history create an environment that elevates thinking and connects students to the University’s legacy.
Graduate architecture student Alie Gibson says she feels like part of UVA’s history when she studies in the Rotunda’s Dome Room. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
“I feel like it’s such a historic place and it really makes me feel like I’m studying in the Academical Village,” Alie Gibson, a graduate student in the School of Architecture, said. “I like feeling a part of that history. It’s also usually pretty empty and quiet so I like that as well.”
