Originally Posted Dec. 3, 2021. Updated Nov. 20, 2024.
As you wrap up the semester and finals are about to begin, we know how hard it can be to find a quiet space to study and focus on your classwork. We’ve got you covered with the best on-campus study spaces at the Communication and Media Building, Dr. Phillips Academic Commons (DPAC), and UnionWest at Creative Village.
Communication and Media Building
The Communication and Media Building is home to the Nicholson School of Communication and Media.
CMB features some outdoor seating with umbrellas which are perfect for cool days and catching some fresh air while studying. If you prefer to stay indoors, there’s a large open study area in the lobby of the building.
You can also head towards the back of the building where you’ll find booth-style seating options – great for group studying!
Want to head upstairs? There are some seats alongside the window on the 3rd floor of CMB where you can look out over the courtyard and palm trees while studying.
Dr. Phillips Academic Commons
The Dr. Phillips Academic Commons has four stories and is filled with open seating areas and quiet group study rooms.
Starting off with the first floor, on both the East and West Wings of the building you have a bunch of seating options in the open areas. But if you want a room all for yourself, the East Wing group study rooms allow you to take advantage of quiet space with TV monitors, whiteboards, and USB outlets to create a productive study session.
✅ Pro Tip: You can also reserve these study rooms in advance to ensure the group study room you want is available. Visit the Room Reservation Guide for more information.
Want to study with a view of the City Beautiful? Head upstairs to the second floor Library, where you can sit either at a high-top table or alongside the window for a study session unlike any other. While you’re there, check out books, dive into the database to get research done or use the printer to print your study guides.
Right across from the library you’ll find the open area next to the Tech Lending desk where you can study in a glass room or on a study couch. Do you need a laptop to study? The Tech Lending desk is where you can borrow anything from a laptop, a calculator, or a charger. Visit their website for more information on items you can reserve.
On the second floor West Wing of DPAC, color and creativity unite in the Creativity Hallway which features a neon light art installation throughout the hallway. Here you’ll find comfortable lounge chairs with portable outlets, to give your studying a fun yet focused space like no other.
Near the Creativity Hallway, there is an open study space that features an amazing and inspiring mural and couches for you to make yourself comfortable.
Fun fact: If you go to the DPAC west wing corner study area in the afternoon, you can see the sunset! Just another perk of studying on campus.
Inside DPAC, there are two bridges that connect the West and East Wings without having to step outside. The 3rd and 4th floor bridges make for a beautiful spot to study because of all the colors from the murals and the natural sunlight from the windows.
If you want to sit in a tucked away gem, the East Wing 3rd floor features soft block seating and USB plugs in the science classroom hallway. Just turn right when you come off the elevators.
Ready to unleash your potential on your finals? We have a study spot just for you! On the West Wing 3rd floor you’ll find an open study area with a hand painted mural by Harry Foreman ’18, that features both a view of downtown Orlando and beautiful colors all around the room.
UnionWest at Creative Village
Grab a quick bite to fuel your study session before heading upstairs to your study area.
At UnionWest, the 2nd and 3rd floor offer open study spaces that highlight The City Beautiful all around. Look out through the windows to get a spectacular view of downtown Orlando while you take your pick of chair for studying – from rocking egg chairs, long geometric sectionals, couches, and traditional tables and chairs. 
On the 3rd floor, past a few classrooms to the right, you’ll also find another area with soft block seating alongside the windows.
✅ Pro Tip: The higher the floor – the quieter the area!
We hope this guide of study spaces on campus will encourage you to find a new spot to get some of your best studying done and prepare for your finals!