At an academically challenging school like IMSA, it is imperative to have a good space to focus your mind to complete the demanding workload given. That’s why I have put together a list of 16 study spots around campus that could be your next go-to.
1. Information Resource Center (IRC)
This is IMSA’s library, and it is probably the most popular traditional study environment. It gives access to many educational resources such as textbooks, whiteboards, office supplies, printers, etc. It also contains many sub-rooms such as the printer room, silent study room, or booking-required study rooms.
Drawbacks: It’s not always open and can get crowded.
2. Loft
The loft is another popular study or hangout spot upstairs in A-wing, accommodating many tables and natural sunlight. It includes both individual tables with plush chairs by the stairs and a more secluded spot behind a wall with a whiteboard on the other wall.
Drawbacks: Clubs occasionally meet here, and it’s in A-Wing, so it closes at 7pm.
3. In2
IMSA was donated 1 million dollars by IMSA alumni and YouTube co-founder, Steve Chen, to build this study space. It includes many comfortable couches, tables, and chairs, with a modern style. In2 also includes the makerspace, a Lego wall, many whiteboards, and conference rooms.
Drawbacks: In2 has limited hours, and it can get quite loud and busy.
4. Science Study Area (SSA)
The SSA is a collection of 4 tables with 4 chairs each in a secluded corner of the main building. It has solid tables to study at, with a large whiteboard and a typically quiet atmosphere.
Drawbacks: There are limited spots, so you might not get a chair. While there are fewer people, you are in closer proximity to the others who are there, and they may be chatting. Plus, clubs occasionally meet here.
5. Empty classroom
During school hours, if a classroom is not being used, students are able to use it to study. It’s usually very spacious, with lots of spots to choose from, and typically you’ll get the room to yourself.
Drawbacks: This is only a viable option during school hours, and you might have to leave depending on whether there’s a class. On top of that, most classrooms get locked after school.
6. Titan Cafe
The Titan Cafe is a newer study spot with a couple of nice tables and chairs. A plus is that even after 7pm, it’s still open, as it is not in A-wing.
Drawbacks: It’s in a pretty high-traffic area and could remind you of Lexington food.
7. Wing Commons
This is largely dependent on your personal wing, but in my experience, people don’t study in the wing that often before 10 check, which is good for focus. Additionally, the people who study in the wing are usually very chill and just do their own thing. It is also available during all non-school hours.
Drawbacks: Obviously, if you don’t like the people in your wing, studying there might become unpleasant, and sometimes people eat dinner there.
8. Old Caf
The old Caf is a collection of tall tables with tall chairs in a U-shape, with couches on the other side, right in front of Lexington. The name “Old Caf” comes from the fact that it used to function as IMSA’s old cafeteria, but is now used for meetups and dance practices for culture shows.
Drawbacks: The Old Caf is right in the middle of the main building, so there are lots of people passing by. There also aren’t a whole lot of outlets available aside from the coveted tables by the water fountain with the TVs.
9. Your Room
Your room is solid for most tasks, does not have a lot of distractions, and you can go during basically any non-school hours. Plus, if you open your blinds, you can get access to real sunlight, something scarcely found in the main building.
Drawbacks: You could get distracted by your roommate or procrastinate when you don’t feel pressured by others to focus.
10. Focus pods
You can get a nice personal space to yourself or with up to three other people in a single-room compartment. It comes with a lot of special features like personalized lighting and fan settings.
Drawbacks: They are not available a lot of the time, sometimes people leave it dirty, and it can sometimes feel like you are in a zoo exhibit due to the large glass windows.
11. Fishbowl
The Fishbowl is an unused classroom mostly utilized as a math study area, and it’s usually pretty empty. It is also right next to the math office, which makes it easy to ask for help.
Drawbacks: It closes at 7pm, as it’s in A-wing, and it’s mostly for math.
12. Hall Commons
In the hall commons, you can study pretty late (11pm for sophomores and midnight for juniors and seniors on weekdays). You are also able to collaborate with others in your hall, so how much you like it partly depends on who is in your hall.
Drawbacks: It is a pretty social place; there are often lots of people chatting, and there might not be seating spaces available.
13. Outside
If you choose to sit outside, you’ll get some much-needed fresh air and sunlight. There are also lots of tables outside, so you’ll almost always get a spot.
Drawbacks: Outside, there can be variable weather, wildlife, absence of charging outlets, and distractions from other people playing outside.
14. Math Study Area
The Math Study Area is a place for taking math tests, usually with lots of desks and chairs lined up in rows. It is also just a couple of rooms down from the math office, so it’s another great spot to ask for help with math.
Drawbacks: It closes at 7pm since it’s in A-wing, people pass through a lot, not very private, also could cause PTSD from math exams.
15. TV pit
The TV pit is a shallow pit in the ground with large steps leading down and outlets spaced throughout. The TV pit gets its name from the TV at one end, making it a great place for presentations and general assemblies. It sits in a pretty high-traffic area of the building, with Lexington, bathrooms, and the SSA nearby.
Drawbacks: A lot of people pass by this area, some of the bustle coming from clubs having general assemblies or meetings here. Moreover, it is pretty uncomfortable to sit on the ground for too long.
16. History office
This is a table in the history office for general use. It sits in the middle of many of IMSA’s history teachers’ rooms, and people most often use it for making up history tests/ in-class essays.
Drawbacks: Sometimes people are taking history tests; you are in very near proximity to the history teachers during school hours, and it closes when school ends.
With all of these study spots to choose from, each with its own pros and cons, there is truly something for everyone’s learning style. From busy In2, packed with students hard at work, pressuring you to do the same, to the quieter SSA with minimal distractions, IMSA has something for everyone to find a place that suits their academic needs.
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