Favorite Study Spots

Sometimes — especially during finals — you need a good place to just cozy up, enjoy pretty architecture, and study. So I compiled a list of my favorite quiet study spots at Penn, which showcase some of the prettiest and inspiring study spaces the University has to offer.

Van Pelt Grand Reading Room

The Reading Room is a go-to space to study for many undergraduates and can serve as a perfect place to work with friends (silently of course!). There is a gigantic wool and silk sculpture that looms over the room which you can take a break and observe. There’s even a designated piece of the sculpture that you can touch — if you can find it!

Fisher Fine Arts Library

This is the classic quiet study space on campus, with the whole building being a quiet study center. However, that shouldn’t discourage you from exploring all the nooks and crannies of the building, especially the carrels in the loft of the main room (pictured). Apart from making you feel like you forgot your Harry Potter-style robe at home, it’s a great view of the rest of the library.

Museum Library

The Penn Museum offers a ton of remarkable exhibits, but did you know they also have a library open to students? The library overlooks the upper Egypt galleries, and is the perfect place for people who need to take breaks while studying since you can go off and explore the rest of the museum.

Singh Center for Nanotechnology

Though not a library, the Singh Center is a stunning glass building where you can get a ton of natural light and work quietly with friends in their many booths and tables. Rarely crowded, it’s one of the best kept secret study spots for undergraduates at Penn!

Biddle Law Library

Located inside the Penn Law building, Biddle is the place to be if you love to be surrounded by books. Throughout the year, they also have tons of interesting projects, board games, or puzzles on the first floor that can be the perfect break during finals. Penn Law is also a great place to catch some free food, if you can get there quick enough!

—James N, C’21