Studying is an essential part of college and requires a lot of time and concentration. It’s important to find a place free of distractions that allows you to think clearly.

While library locations like Hodges or Pendergrass are a great place to start, there are dozens of other locations on and around campus that can provide you with the quiet space you’re looking for.

Below are 10 popular study spots that current UT students recommend.

Student Union

Located in the heart of campus, the Student Union offers plenty of comfortable seating and a variety of secluded study spots. Couches, tables, and charging ports are available to ensure you have a perfect place to relax and work. This is a great place to catch up on assignments in between classes and even grab a bite to eat.

Capybara Coffee

Coffee shops can be a great place to get some work done. Typically they’re small and quiet and smell amazing. Capybara Coffee is no exception. This local coffee spot is located at University Commons next to Publix and can be accessed through the garage. There’s available seating inside and outside, giving you the option to catch some rays while catching up on homework.

Ray’s Place

If you find yourself at the top of the Hill, this is a great place to check out before making your way back down. Ray’s Place offers Southern homestyle cooking and a welcoming atmosphere. Sandwiches, cookies, and meat-and-three-style entrees are available to give you the study fuel you need.

Haslam Business Building

With quick access to Einstein Bagels, comfy booths, and available outdoor seating, the Haslam Business Building can be your perfect study spot. There are six floors, giving you the option to work in a social or quiet environment. This building is also central to campus, meaning you can clock in a few study hours during longer class breaks.

Empty Classrooms

If you’re studying later in the day, odds are some of the classrooms are empty. Classrooms offer plenty of seating, whiteboards, and if you’re studying in HSS, quick access to the POD Market. Because of the large, quiet, and private space they provide, empty classrooms can be a great place to work on group projects, too.

Outdoors

Studying outside can make cramming for an exam a little less stressful, especially during the warmer months. The steps of the HSS Amphitheater, the lawn in Circle Park, and courtyard spaces around residence halls offer plenty of large grassy spaces for you to hang out and study. Pack a hammock or a blanket and find a quiet spot outside to relax and recharge while getting some work done.

Your Room

The biggest tip for this study spot is to make sure you have a designated work space that isn’t your bed. Studying at a desk or even a beanbag chair on the floor can be more beneficial in keeping you awake and alert. If you feel like you’ll get less motivated as soon as you enter your room, try finding a spot in some of the common areas. Residence halls like Hess and Brown Hall have plenty of comfortable seating options located on their main floors. Some floors also have a study room right down the hall.

Communications Building Patio

Enter on the third floor of the Communications Building, and right next to the COM 333 lecture hall is a door that leads out to a hidden gem. Once outside, you’ll see a few covered tables on the patio that overlook the river and Neyland Stadium. There’s limited seating available, but this study spot is rarely crowded. This is the perfect place to get some work done while taking in some amazing views.

Ken and Blaire Mossman Building

The indoor and outdoor spaces and common areas for students, as well as a first-floor cafe, make this a prime study spot. This newer building was completed in 2018, giving students a more modern place to work and study. If you find yourself a little farther from the main campus and Hodges Library, this space is definitely worth checking out.

Vol Study Center

The Vol Study Center offers students a more collaborative way of studying and learning. The center offers exam prep study sessions for nearly 300 subjects as well as Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions for a few courses. These services are offered by trained undergraduate students at six locations across campus and online, at no cost to you. If you’re someone who struggles with staying on track or figuring out what exactly to study for the exam, the Vol Study Center might be a great option for you.