Student Center too packed? No empty seats in Gateway or the Science Library? Try out these alternative study areas hidden around UCI. Happy studying, Anteaters!
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1) Humanities Gateway
Humanities Gateway is next to the humanities bridge which connects the main campus to the Claire Trevor School of Arts. Some may recognize Humanities Gateway as the building where many humanities professors have office hours. Directly behind the Humanities Gateway building is a long slab of concrete seating where you can sit and study without a huge crowd of students disrupting you. If you want an even more secluded area to study, you can go to the third floor of Humanities Gateway. Take the stairs, and once you step out, on your left you should see a door with a red sign that says, “no smoking”.  Right outside that door is a small area with about six small grey tables for you to choose from. From there, you will have a view of the sky, the humanities area, and even West Peltason street in the background – all while the building’s roof protects you from any rain.
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2) Humanities HallÂ
For those of you who often have classes here, Humanities Hall should be a familiar place for you as you wait for class to start. All you have to do is use the stairs to go up to the third floor of Humanities Hall and you should be on the roof. There should be a stairwell located on the far right side of Humanities Hall’s second floor as well one stairwell near the center of the building – both can be used to go up to the roof.Â
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3) Natural Sciences I
This building is located next to Natural Sciences II (big surprise) and it is behind Biological Sciences III. When you are walking, you should pass the Science Library first, then Biological Sciences III, and finally Natural Sciences I. This is the building where many chemistry professors have their offices, so science majors may recognize this building. When you enter the building’s main entrance, take the elevator (it should be located on the right side near the restrooms and water fountain) and go to the fourth floor. When you step out of the elevator you should see a vast panaromaic window with a view of the table and chairs outside. You can sit at the chairs or table and have a quick study session, especially if your next class or final is at Rowland Hall, Physical Science Lecture Hall, or Biological Sciences III.Â
Fun Fact: Located on the side of Natural Sciences I (between this building and Natural Sciences II), there are several green tables with matching umbrellas where you can sit and relax.Â
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4) Student CenterÂ
Up above on the third floor of the Student Center is a secluded area with a view of the street and Mesa Court in the distance. Although there are no tables for you to actually sit at, you can sit on the ground (if it is not raining!) and enjoy the view while studying in a quiet environment. To get this view, you can either take the stairs or the elevator to the third floor, where meeting rooms like Balboa Island and Newport Beach are located. Go specifically to where room Newport Beach A is and once there, you should see an exit door at the end of the hallway. Exit using this door and you should be able to see the view as described.
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5) Langson LibraryÂ
The last area you might not know about is located in the popular and resourceful Langson Library. Use the elevator to go to the fifth floor, which is where the special collections and archives are located. Make a left once out of the elevator and you should see a door which will take you outside to the view seen in the pictures. This area is also secluded and provides fresh air for you to study in.
Tip: The elevators to the fifth floor and down take a little longer than usual, so plan accordingly if you are in a rush to class or your final!Â
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