Written By: Nhi Quach
As a graduate student, studying makes up so much of our life. Not only do we have to study for courses, there are papers to read and write. To get the most out of our study time, there are quiet study spaces on campus that provide not only a room, but also presenters and white boards.
The best quiet spaces in UCI for studying are at the UCI libraries. There are four libraries on campus, all of which have additional study spaces that can be scheduled online.
Below is a list of all libraries available on campus with the link to room reservations.
Langson Library – This Library is located in the School of Humanities. As a public library, the entrance is on the second floor. Once inside, there are several couches, desks, and chairs on every floor for the general public, with a computer lab on the first floor for printing. If more privacy is needed, select rooms are available within the library that can be scheduled for group work or for using white boards. Available rooms can be seen and reserved at: https://spaces.lib.uci.edu/reserve/Langson
Ayala Science Library – This Library is located in the School of Biological Science. This library is open to the general public, and the entrance can be found on the first floor. Rumor has it that the building design is based on a sperm meeting an egg. Once inside, there are several desks and chairs on every floor for the general public, with a dedicated computer lab on the 2nd floor for printing. However, computers can be found on all six floors. If more privacy is needed, several rooms are available within the library that can be scheduled for group work or for using white boards. Available rooms can be seen and reserved at: https://spaces.lib.uci.edu/reserve/Science
Grunigen Medical Library – This Library can be found at UCI’s Medical School. This Library is only open to UCI faculty, staff and students. It is small and compact, used most often by those working at the Medical Center. Although there are rooms available for collaborative work which can be scheduled online, some of these rooms are only open to those with a Medical Center badge. Available rooms can be seen and reserved at: https://grunigen.lib.uci.edu/reserve-room
Law Library – This Library is located in the School of Law and is open only to law students. It is a compact area with desks and couches. The study rooms present in the library are exclusively for the UCI Law community and can be used only for academic purposes. Rooms can be reserved at: http://spaces.lib.uci.edu/reserve/lawlibrary
Besides the libraries, UCI also has dedicated study spaces equipped with whiteboards and/or presenters.
Libraries Gateway Study Center – Located right next to the Langson Library, the Gateway Study Center is a workspace equipped with computers of Windows and iOS systems. It is open to the public, however there are several rooms under the name of Study Centers and Collaborative Workspaces. The Study Centers have a maximum occupant capability of 4 people per room, whereas the Collaborative Workspaces can hold up to 6 people. There is also a meeting room at this location under the name of Orange County & Southeast Asian Archive Center which can hold 8 people. These spaces can be reserved at:
https://spaces.lib.uci.edu/reserve/Gateway; https://spaces.lib.uci.edu/reserve/collaborativeworkspaces;
https://spaces.lib.uci.edu/reserve/OCSEAA
Multimedia Resource Center – Located right within the Ayala Science Library premises, the Multimedia Resource Center has open computer labs. The study spaces can hold up to 5 or 10 people. Most of the study rooms are equipped with a flat screen TV to share screens. Room reservations can be done here: https://spaces.lib.uci.edu/spaces?lid=6581
Student Center – The Student center is a hub for activities, with various restaurants and fast food places, as well as the student store. Despite all the events that are hosted here, there are dedicated study spaces for students. Located near the International Center, the Student Center houses various lounge spaces on the first floor where you can sit and study. However, there are only three dedicated quiet spaces: the Global Viewpoint Lounge, the Hillside Lounge, and the Courtyard Study Lounge.
The Global Viewpoint Lounge is an open space where you can study while munching on snacks and food and is located between the West Food Court and the Anthill Pub & Grille.
The Hillside Lounge is a quiet space with bar stools and large windows, located between Starbucks and the back entrance of the UCI Hill (the student store).
The Courtyard Study Lounge is another open space where you can sit and study at your leisure, which is located on the lower floors of the Student Center. This lounge also provides 16 rooms for privacy or loud group work, which can be reserved in person or at the front desk or online at: https://www.studentcenter.uci.edu/study-spaces/book-a-study-room-online/
Note that most of these study locations are public, so it is best to not leave belongings unattended. Happy studying!