5. Leavey Library
Seating Comfort: 2/10
If you’re lucky enough to find a swivel chair or a private study room, this place isn’t half bad. If not… sit near to one so you can steal it when it opens.
Accessibility: 10/10
One of the few redeeming qualities of Leavey is that it’s open 24 hours a day. So pop on over to Trojan Grounds, grab yourself a seat at Leavey and push through that painful all-nighter.
Proximity to Outlets: 10/10
Leavy Library seems to be the only place on this campus with an acceptable number of outlets for this day and age. And it STILL isn’t worth going to! Seriously people, just charge your computers the night before.
Vibe: 0/10
If the fluorescent hospital-esque lighting of Leavey Library doesn’t make you regret everything decision you’ve ever made and fall into a 3 am fit of self wallowing, you’ve probably never been to Leavey.
Overall: 5.5/10
Honestly, this is a much higher score than we’d like to give Leavey but it’s accessibility and proximity to outlets does raise its score. Still, you only go to Leavey when you absolutely have to (aka when everything else is closed). Anyone who tells you otherwise is a psychopath.
4. The Rose Garden
Comfort: 8/10
While there’s no formal seating in the rose garden what can be better than a blanket in the grass under the shade of a tree?
Accessibility: 8/10
It’s a bit of a walk from campus (you have to cross Exposition Blvd), but the Rose Garden is a sanctuary in the city. Open to the public all hours that the sun shines, it’s always there for you when you need to get away.
Proximity to Outlets: 0/10
No outlets here. Use this as a time to unplug!
Vibe: 10/10
The vibe here is second to only the best place to be on campus (scroll down to find out). It’s as far away from the city as you’ll ever feel within a 5-mile radius of USC. Sit next to the fountain to drown out the traffic and you’re sure to be transported to another world
Overall: 6.5
3. Alumni House Lawn
Comfort: 6/10
With only benches as seating, Alumni House Lawn isn’t the most comfortable place to sit on campus, but it is the most beautiful. And you’ll never be too hot under the shade of the trees.
Accessibility: 10/10
Always open, accessible all hours of the day… and night, if you’re into that.
Proximity to Outlets: 2/10
No outlets here either. Although, being a mere 100 feet away from Doheny, we had to give it some points. Walk inside for a quick charge if you’re running low. Or better yet, plan ahead.
Vibe: 9.5/10
The best place for people watching and those that appreciate the hustle and bustle of campus, Alumni House Lawn is a great place to relax, sit in the sun, and watch life pass you by. Maybe even do that reading you’ve been putting off while you’re at it.
Overall: 6.8/10
2. Doheny Library
Comfort: 4/10
Unless you can snag a couch, the wooden chairs of Doheny are less than ideal and trying to move one without turning the heads of everyone around you is a special skill.
Accessibility: 8/10
Open 8 am-10 pm on weekdays and located centrally on campus, Doheny is fairly accessible. It’s a great place to run between classes or after lunch at Campus Center.
Proximity to Outlets: 7/10
While you have to sit at the end of a row to snag an outlet, it never seems that hard to be able to find one. This is the prime location if you’re going to buckle down for a while and grind something out.
Vibe: 9/10
Nothing makes me feel like an intellectual quite like Doheny’s never-ending book stacks. If every other extra part of USC doesn’t make you feel fancy already, I promise Doheny will.
Overall: 7/10
1. LiteraTea
Comfort: 8/10
The plush cushions, the courtyard in the shade, LiteraTea is a haven of coffee and comfort.
Accessibility: 7/10
Closed on weekends, LiteraTea is not always the most accessible, but its central campus location makes up for that.
Proximity to Outlets: 8/10
Outlets indoors, outlets outdoors, outlets galore! Charge up, or…unplug! You choose.
Vibe: 10/10
LiteraTea is academic, it’s social, it’s indoor, it’s outdoor. You can get coffee or sit by the fountain. The options are endless. And hey, have you heard about the grilled cheese? If not you can read about it in all its glory right here.
Overall: 8.25/10