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Study Resources

Find Your Perfect Study Spot

From silent libraries to buzzing cafes, discover the best places to study on and around BU campus. Rated by real students.

18
Spots
3
Quiet Options
3
Late Night

Top Rated

  • 1.School of Theology Library4.9
  • 2.Pappas Law Library4.7
  • 3.Charles River Esplanade4.7

Quietest

  • 1.Mugar Memorial LibraryLevel 2
  • 2.Pardee Management LibraryLevel 2
  • 3.Pickering Educational Resources LibraryLevel 1

Late Night

  • 1.Mugar Memorial Library12am
  • 2.Science & Engineering Library12am
  • 3.Pappas Law Library12am

All Study Spots

Showing 18 of 18 spots
Hidden Gem

School of Theology Library

4.9(34)
745 Commonwealth Ave

The most peaceful spot on campus. Beautiful old building, stained glass, zero crowds.

Quiet
Empty
Few OutletsWiFi
peacefulhistoricsacred
LibraryLate Night

Pappas Law Library

4.7(98)
765 Commonwealth Ave

The law school library. Impressively quiet, beautiful architecture, serious study energy.

Quiet
Empty
Many OutletsWiFi
intensequietprestigious
Outdoor

Charles River Esplanade

4.7(189)
Along the Charles River

The beautiful riverfront path. Benches, views, and fresh air for when you need to escape.

Quiet
Empty
No Outlets
scenicpeacefulrefreshing
Library

Pickering Educational Resources Library

4.6(67)
2 Silber Way (School of Education)

Hidden gem in the education building. Small but peaceful, rarely crowded.

Quiet
Empty
Many OutletsWiFi
quietintimatefocused
CafeLate Night

Trident Booksellers & Cafe

4.6(156)
338 Newbury St

Iconic Boston bookstore-cafe. Great for escaping campus while still being productive.

Moderate
Moderate
Few OutletsWiFiCoffee
literarybohemianescape
Building

Photonics Center Atrium

4.5(43)
8 St. Mary's St

A hidden study spot in the Photonics building. Modern atrium with natural light and minimal traffic.

Quiet
Empty
Few OutletsWiFi
modernbrightquiet
Outdoor

BU Beach

4.5(456)
Commonwealth Ave (near Marsh Chapel)

The iconic BU lawn. Perfect for warm weather studying with a blanket.

Loud
Packed
No OutletsWiFi
socialsunnycampus life
Library

Pardee Management Library

4.4(156)
595 Commonwealth Ave (Questrom)

Questrom's dedicated business library. Modern, well-lit, and full of future finance bros grinding spreadsheets.

Quiet
Moderate
Outlets EverywhereWiFi
professionalmodernfocused
Hidden Gem

Marsh Chapel

4.4(28)
735 Commonwealth Ave

Yes, you can study here. The pews are surprisingly comfortable and it's always peaceful.

Quiet
Empty
No Outlets
spiritualquietcontemplative
LibraryLate Night

Science & Engineering Library

4.3(189)
38 Cummington Mall

STEM central. Serious study vibes with physics and engineering students deep in problem sets.

Quiet
Moderate
Many OutletsWiFi
nerdyseriouscollaborative
Cafe

Pavement Coffeehouse

4.3(287)
736 Commonwealth Ave

The BU campus Pavement location. Great coffee, solid WiFi, and the unofficial CS student headquarters.

Moderate
Packed
Few OutletsWiFiCoffee
trendycaffeinatedproductive
LibraryLate Night

Mugar Memorial Library

4.2(342)
771 Commonwealth Ave

The main BU library and a campus icon. Multiple floors with different vibes - basement for silent study, upper floors for group work.

Quiet
Packed
Many OutletsWiFiCoffee
classicacademicbustling
Cafe

Tatte Bakery (Fenway)

4.2(234)
1352 Boylston St

Instagram-worthy bakery with great pastries. Popular study spot for those who like aesthetics.

Loud
Packed
Few OutletsWiFiCoffee
aesthetictrendybright
Building

CAS Writing Center Area

4.1(76)
100 Bay State Rd

The area around the Writing Center in CAS has comfortable seating and a studious atmosphere.

Quiet
Empty
Many OutletsWiFi
academicquietfocused
Cafe

Espresso Royale

4.1(198)
736 Commonwealth Ave

Cozy campus cafe with a loyal following. Good for long study sessions with unlimited refills.

Moderate
Moderate
Few OutletsWiFiCoffee
cozylocalrelaxed
Hidden GemLate Night

CFA Practice Room Hallways

4(45)
855 Commonwealth Ave

The hallways outside practice rooms have seating. Bonus: free live music while you study.

Moderate
Empty
Few OutletsWiFi
artisticmusicalcreative
Hidden Gem

BU Beach Tunnel Study Nooks

3.8(23)
Underground near BU Beach

Small study alcoves in the underground tunnel system. Weird, but effective.

Quiet
Empty
Few OutletsWiFi
undergroundquietutilitarian
Building

GSU Study Floors

3.6(234)
775 Commonwealth Ave

The George Sherman Union's upper floors have study spaces. Central location, food downstairs, decent vibes.

Moderate
Packed
Few OutletsWiFiCoffee
socialconvenientcasual

Study Spot Pro Tips

🕐 Time It Right

Libraries are emptiest before 10am and after 9pm. Avoid the 2-5pm rush.

🔌 Outlet Hunting

Arrive early to snag spots near outlets. End seats and wall tables are gold.

📚 Finals Strategy

During finals, Mugar opens 24/7. Hidden gems stay empty - use them.

☕ Cafe Etiquette

Buy something every 2-3 hours if studying at cafes. It's the unwritten rule.

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