It’s finals week, and I’ve been busy studying for my four Industrial Engineering exams. During finals week Leavey Library–USC’s most popular library…it’s open 24/7–is PACKED. I can’t focus with so many students around me, so over the last few years I have found other cool locations on campus for studying. Here’s a list of my favorite places to study:

1. Ronald Tutor Hall

Most of my classes are near Ronald Tutor Hall, so I like to hang out in the cafe when I have breaks throughout the day. I usually run into my classmates here as well, so it’s a great place to meet with study groups. The food at the cafe is amazing too, so when I need some brain food (or yet another cup of coffee…) this is the place to be.

2. Hoose Philosophy Library

Hoose Library is located in my favorite building on campus: Mudd Hall of Philosophy. The architecture is beautiful, and the Hoose Library reminds me of something out of a Harry Potter movie. I love sitting in the leather chairs with the huge carved wood tables. Sadly, my Statistical Quality Control homework will never be as exciting as Charms, Potions, or Defense Against the Dark Arts, but studying at Hoose is about as close as I’ll ever get to Hogwarts.

3. Kappa Alpha Theta sundeck

When the weather is warm (82 degrees and sunny this week!), I love to study on the roof of my sorority house. My sorority built a sundeck on the roof this past summer, and there’s plenty of lounge chairs and tables for studying…or just relaxing. Wearing sunglasses and a swim suit in the beautiful California sun in December makes studying for engineering so much more enjoyable.

Good luck with finals!