The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a very large campus with no shortage of great study spots. Still, some rise above the others because of their atmospheres, food and drink options, and so much more.
From the Memorial Union Terrace to Michelangelo’s Coffee House to your own dorm room, here are The Daily Cardinal’s favorite study spots!
Kohler Art Library
If College Library is a brain-numbing Big Light hell, the Kohler Art Library is its heavenly lamp-lit counterpart. Just across from the Chazen Museum of Art in the brutalist Elvehjem building, you'll find a cozy study spot and a quiet crowd of humanities students. On brain breaks, browsing the library's expansive collection of photo books is never a bad bet. But most often, I prefer a coffee outside in the courtyard.
- Jackson Baker, Life & Style Editor
Memorial Union Floor Two
The second floor of Memorial Union is one of UW-Madison’s best-kept study spots, offering a perfect balance of quiet study space and lively atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere on campus. Students can settle into the silent study room for focused work, listen to music drifting from the piano room or step onto one of two outdoor terraces overlooking Lake Mendota for a break between assignments. With food and coffee just downstairs, it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon there without needing to leave. The combination of lake views, study spaces and convenient dining makes Memorial Union’s second floor a favorite destination for students looking to get work done while enjoying one of the university’s most iconic buildings.
- Jane Dardik, City Editor
Memorial Union Terrace
My favorite study spot on campus is definitely the Memorial Union Terrace. Whether I am working on an assignment, catching up on my readings or just planning my week out, sitting by the lake and watching people study or hanging out with friends never fails to make even the busiest and most stressful days a little calmer. The lively atmosphere is enough to help you push through deadlines while offering a break from being cooped up indoors for hours.
- Aanya Agrawal, Social Media Manager
Merit Library
I live on the south side of Regent St, so I love Merit Library because it’s closer to me than a lot of campus. It's always emptier than the bigger libraries and you never have to fight for a table or an outlet. Also, they have couches and beanbags which can be a fun mix-up from traditional study spaces !!
- Lydia Picotte, Marketing and Outreach Director
Michelangelo’s Coffee House
My favorite study spot is Michelangelo's Coffee House near the Capitol. I like the environment is has going on and if I choose the right fun drink and treat, I'm able to stay there for hours to get work done. It's also far away enough that I'd feel guilty for spending the time traveling and not actually working!
- Zoey Jiang, Associate News Editor
Noodles & Company
My favorite study spot is the 3rd floor of Noodles and Company on State Street. You can find great seats up there with a nice view of State street and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. They also are open until 10pm which is perfect if you want to study a little late with some dinner.
- Alexa Cattouse, Senior Staff Writer
One Alumni Place
My favorite place to study on campus is the One Alumni Place inside the Wisconsin Alumni Association. With comfy seating and giant windows, this spot offers gorgeous views of Lake Mendota and a cozy, quiet vibe. If you need a break from studying, you’re right next to Memorial Union to grab a snack or chill on the Terrace. You’re also right by College Library for printing or research help, without having to fight for a seat once you get there. Whether you’re stopping by to catch up on work between classes or locking in for an afternoon, the One Alumni Place takes the stress out of studying.
- Brady Ahler, Opinion Editor
Steenbock Memorial Library
My favorite study spot at UW-Madison is the 3rd floor of Steenbock Memorial Library, specifically by the windows. Much like the Lakeshore area it resides in, I don’t hear many good things about Steenbock, but I heavily disagree with the criticism. Although Steenbock is one of the furthest libraries from downtown Madison, a variety of bus routes deposit students outside the library’s entrance. Its distance from the rest of campus also makes Steenbock one of the emptier on-campus libraries. The four-top tables by the window provide a gorgeous view of Lakeshore, sufficient space to spread out multiple textbooks or study with friends and a variety of comfy chairs students can spend multiple hours in. Lastly, a study session isn’t complete without fuel, and some of the best surrounds Steenbock. While meal plan users can grab a meal at Four Lakes Market, arguably one of the best UW-Madison dining halls, others can get a breakfast sandwich across the street at Babcock Dairy or a smoothie snack at Shake Smart. Of the many study spots across campus, none provide a better lock-in than Steenbock; I’m only sad I didn’t discover it sooner.
- Liset Zacker, Arts Editor
Your Dorm Room
Personally, I always just liked studying in my dorm room. It’s not as fancy or interesting as the libraries or coffee shops, but it’s the place where I had the most control over lighting and noise levels. Unless my roommate was home, I had complete control over whether or not the blinds were open or how loud the music was. I tend to get distracted trying to study around other people, but in my dorm room, I could just lock in and get stuff done!
- Jonathan Mintz, Photo Editor
