Blog

Winter is coming…but it’s not here yet! There’s still time to spend outside before we’re in our sweater-wearing, tea-drinking, indoor-studying weather. If you’re new to campus, or you haven’t spent a lot of time exploring the outdoor study spaces, don’t fret. I’m here to share my favorite outdoor study spots, even if that means all my secret spots won’t be so secret anymore. Just promise me that you’ll cherish these spaces the way I have loved them these past four years.

North Quad Courtyard

I know this space is probably very well known to the first-years or second-years who have lived in North Quad, but to everyone else, this little courtyard is relatively unknown. It’s hidden in between the walls of North Quad, but I promise it’s easy to find. Simply walk up to the doors off of East Washington Street and instead of going inside, turn left. The tables will be easy to spot once you enter the courtyard. It’s quiet, secluded, and a great place to meet for lunch with your friends. This is great if you have classes in North Quad or if you live in Kerrytown. 

University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA)

I have loved this spot since my very first year here at Michigan. Outside of UMMA, there are numerous outdoor spaces for you to post up and get some heavy-duty studying done. Plus, you can enjoy some lovely public art pieces while you’re there. You can visit the UMMA Cafe and get yourself a drink and a snack if you would like as well. My all time favorite spot is actually the little alcove on the side of Tappan Hall just past the UMMA Cafe. It’s quiet and beautifully draped in ivy.

School of Education Courtyard

I just found this courtyard last year and I wish I had found it earlier. There are only three tables, but there’s almost always an open table. I’ve found that I’m extremely productive when I study there. Perhaps the neon blue tables are motivating? Either way, it’s a perfect place to study with other people because each table can fit five to six people with plenty of space. It’s a nice spot on the south side of Central Campus if you’re in Ford, Ross, the School of Education, or the School of Social Work.

Law Quad

This spot is not secret at all! But I’m glad for that, because I want as many people as possible to enjoy the absolute beauty of the Law Quad. There are benches surrounding the perimeter of the Law Quad, which are great to sit and people watch in…I mean study! But I believe the real joy comes from sitting on the grass (with or without a blanket), basking in the sun, and listening to some music. It’s a great place to do your more casual homework, the less stressful kind. (I’m hoping you have less stressful homework!)

Hatcher Tables 

This also is not a very secret spot to study, but it certainly is a good one. You might need to get here a bit early if you want to get a spot at one of these tables. They fill up pretty quickly. But they are right in between Hatcher and Shapiro, making it the perfect study space to stop in between classes. Bonus points if you sit in the grass right behind those tables!

The Diag

Duh! Did you think I would finish this list without mentioning the Diag? No way! It’s a classic. You can find an infinite number of spots to study at in the Diag. Sit in the grass. Hang out by Hatcher. Find a nice bench somewhere (I personally like the benches by DANA). And if you’re lucky, perhaps you’ll be there during Dogs on the Diag :) 

Ross Courtyard

I honestly did not know about the Ross Courtyard until just yesterday when my roommate suggested it for this article. Obviously, I had to go check it out. I’m telling you, my mind was blown! It’s so beautiful with the looming tree, the expert landscaping, and the stunning architecture. There are plenty of tables and chairs so feel free to snag a spot, even if you are not a Ross student.

I really hope everyone had a great beginning to your school year. Please try to get outside as much as you can before it gets cold. I promise the vitamin D will feel amazing. I hope these study spots provide you a safe and happy place to study as they did for me these past four years. And if you want to go hang out in these places and not study, that’s totally OK — I won’t tell, I promise. Go easy on yourself. Happy studying!