Liz DeFluri, Contributing Writer
Throughout the semester, especially around midterms and finals, VCU’s Cabell Library is the place to be for light study sessions, full-fledged lock-ins and everything in between.
Some days, however, it seems as though securing concert tickets on opening day is more likely than claiming your go-to study spot. If you do find a vacant spot, the library can get loud and overcrowded, making concentration difficult. With study rooms reserved until the end of the week, finding a decent place to work becomes an increasingly daunting task.
Thankfully, the Monroe Park campus is littered with cozy nooks available to students hoping for a change of scenery.
Founder’s Hall
Located on West Franklin Street, historic Founder’s Hall building is home to the sociology and political science departments. The lounges on the second and third floors are open to all students and provide comfy couches, chairs and plenty of reading material relevant to the two.
First-year General Studies major Aris Payne said she has never been to any of the on-campus study houses because they are not well-established like the library is.
“I feel like the other spaces aren’t as well-advertised,” Payne said.
The Temple Building
The Temple Building on West Main Street offers loads of booths and tables on the upper floors of the Robertson School. This building also has a computer lab with foam-padded, noise-proof walls for recording audio.
Forgot your laptop? No problem, Adobe Suite programs are already installed on the computers.
The Commons (beyond the first floor)
The Commons, located at the heart of campus, has much to offer students. Do not be fooled by the noise and crowds on the first floor; the Commons features several study-appropriate spots on the second floor.
First-year biology major Dustin Berry says he likes coming to an area with lots of natural light called the James River Terrace, so he can get food and work on simple assignments.
“It’s nice being away from the crowd of people eating downstairs and those who are always in the library,” Berry said.
For student organizations, the basement level of the Commons, formally known as The Underground, is the place to be. The Underground is a resource center for all VCU student orgs where members can create posters, banners, buttons or whatever else is needed — largely for free.
Academic Learning Commons
Right across from the library on Floyd Avenue is a modern brick building called the Academic Learning Commons. Many classes are taught there, but there are also plenty of study spaces hidden on the second and third floors. Open to all majors, the Academic Learning Commons has tables, booths and comfortable chairs for whether you’re working individually or with a group.
Third-year nursing student Maddy Thompkins said the Academic Learning Commons is one of her go-to, on-campus study spaces.
“The library is usually always full, but here I feel like I have my own space. It’s quiet, but I can talk if I want and answer phone calls,” Thompkins said.
Thompkins also finds the Academic Learning Commons to be more personable than the library. and likes that she sometimes runs into her professors while studying.
The Franklin Terrace Building
For art students, the Franklin Terrace building on West Franklin Street offers spacious studio rooms ideal for working on physical media projects.
The renovated historic building also has digital workspace computer labs, fully equipped with Apple desktop computers that have scanning and printing capabilities.
The Pollak Building
Also for art students, the Pollak building on North Harrison Street is another great place to find open studio spaces. The building features a computer lab especially for fashion students and material libraries for interior design and graphic design students.
Additionally, the second floor of Pollak houses the Creative Print Bureau (CPB), a digital print shop open to all VCU students.
The CPB is equipped with high-tech laser and inkjet printers, a risograph and book-binding materials to benefit art students and assist with their class projects.
If a break and some fresh air are needed while creating, check out the building’s rooftop garden for some much-deserved relaxation and a stunning view of campus.