11 Best Places to Study around VU’s Campus: A Guide for Freshman Studying
I think you’ll agree with me that doing well in school should be your top priority as a freshman at Valparaiso University. It’s one of the best ways to prepare yourself for your future career, and to succeed academically you’ll be spending countless hours studying. You’ll need to know the best places to study around VU’s campus.
Confessions of a VU Senior
The knowledge studying will bring you will equate to confidence in the classroom, and stellar exam results. Being prepared will eliminate stress and actually give you more of that desired free time you wish you had. Getting quality studying in is a necessity.
In this blog, I will provide the 11 best spots around Valparaiso University’s campus for studying as an incoming freshman.
11.) Starbucks
Just a couple minutes away from VU’s campus, Starbucks is located at the start of the nearby shopping center. It’ll be on the right side of the road…impossible to miss with their classic logo out front.
Starbucks is the perfect atmosphere to study in. They play relaxing music, serve coffee, have a wood based theme, cozy tables, and outlets everywhere. Being off-campus, it’s a good place to go to when you need a change of scenery.
10.) Barnes and Noble
In the heart of the nearby shopping center, there lies a giant Barnes and Noble.
Similar to Starbucks, the theme here is very homey. You’re surrounded by books while calm music plays all of the time. In the front of the store is also a Starbucks with dozens of places to sit and relax. It’s a great place to go to when you need to focus.
9.) Upper floor of the Harre Union
As a freshman at Valparaiso University, you’ll be in the Harre Union a lot. On the top floor, there is comfortable open seating everywhere. Outside of the ballrooms, you can find outdoor seating on a balcony which overlooks the chapel. Along with this, there is also a computer lab on the floor.
Being in a very centralized place on campus, going here is always a convenient option.
8.) Center for the Sciences
For someone who is not a science major, this may sound like a weird spot to study, but it’s a great one.
The Center for the Sciences is the newest and most innovative building on VU’s campus. In the lobby areas, there is a lot of seating, and you’re surrounded by huge floor to ceiling windows. Though competitive, there are also small rooms on the 1st floor that are designated for studying.
7.) Uptown Café
Just off of campus beneath the Uptown East Apartments is the Uptown Cafe. Here you’ll have access to great and refreshing food as well as exotic beverages. Uptown Café is literally built for business people and students to be productive in.
As a freshman at VU this might be relatively unknown to you, that’s why you’ll mainly see upperclassmen and VU faculty here. That makes it all the better a place to go for freshman studying at Valparaiso University.
6.) Neil’s Science Center study lounge
Since the Center for Sciences was built, Neil’s Science Center has become much more quiet. That also means it’s become a better place to go for studying at Valparaiso University.
It’s centrally located on campus, and in the study lounge you’ll have access to furniture and chalkboards. The upstairs hallway also has hidden seating that is almost always vacant.
5.) The “Café”
In the Harre Union, you’ll be getting your meals from Founders and the cafe. The café has a more easy-going, fun, and relaxing atmosphere. This along with the ability to get snacks and drinks in moments makes it a great place to study. I recommend trying to grab a window spot.
You’ll be walking past here daily. It’s a great place to study as a freshman at Valparaiso University.
4.) Residential hall lounges
There are several dorms on campus: Alumni Hall, Brandt Hall, Lankenau Hall, Beacon Hall, Guild/Memorial Hall, and Wehrenberg Hall, to name a few. Of course, these buildings are built solely for the students.
Typically the lounge you’ll go to is only steps away from where you sleep. Lounges consist of furniture and sometimes kitchens. Enclosed with a door, these lounges make great places to study for freshman at VU.
3.) Empty classrooms
In every academic building, throughout the day there are times where classrooms are not being used. While you might think, “I’m probably not allowed to go in there”, you can.
An empty classroom has everything a freshman needs for studying: seating, white boards, peace and quiet. If that sounds ideal to you, make use of them throughout your year.
2.) 1st/2nd floor of the Christopher Center
VU actually has one of the nicest libraries you will ever come across. It takes the cake for my number 1 and 2 spots.
On the bottom two floors of the Christopher Center, it’s very social. It’s perfect for group studying. You have access to printers, a Starbucks, computers, IT support, and countless places to sit down and study for as long as you need to. The Christopher Center is very modern and relaxing. Everything you can ever think of for great studying is available for you in this building.
1.) 3rd/4th floor of the Christopher Center
This is the best place to study on VU’s campus. The entire atmosphere here is academic focused and relaxing. There is not a study location out of sight, and on the 4th floor there is a massive balcony that overlooks VU’s chapel and many gardens.
These floors also host private study rooms which are extremely sought after. Consider yourself lucky for the day if you can ever acquire one.
Be ahead of the curve
Studying will consume a significant portion of your time while you’re here at VU. These are the 11 best places to study around campus as a freshman at Valparaiso University. Knowing the best spots will be essential for you as you progress through your year.
Matt Jano Janesheski
