Stanford Students’ Top 10 Study Spots and Resources

As we gear up for finals season, it’s important to stay up-to-date on all things study-related! Whether you need some extra help studying for an exam, a safe practice space for a presentation, personalized study techniques, a late-night study spot, or even a second eye to look over your research paper, there are a plethora of fantastic study resources on campus that can make your finals week as smooth as can be.

Resources for Finals Preparation

Hume Writing and Speaker Center: The Hume Writing and Speaking Center is an excellent and FREE resource to help build confidence and empowerment as both a writer and speaker. Whether you need help practicing an oral presentation, revising an essay, or brainstorming for future projects, the Hume Center can help. Their tutors are current students, so they’re quite accessible and eager to provide approachable assistance. Check their website for drop-in hours, scheduling services, as well as other opportunities they offer!
Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL): The CTL is another FREE on-campus resource whose goal is to help develop the skills needed to succeed in your classes. Their approach is meant to prepare you to achieve success on your own through the utilization of learned skills. Tutors are trained to help with problem sets, prepare for upcoming exams, as well as come up with beneficial, personalized study techniques. Check their website for a full list of services, drop-in hours, and available session times.

Top 10 Study Spots

During finals season, finding available study spots can be extra tough! We’ve compiled a list of great places to do work, based on their hours and overall accessibility.

Green Library: Right near Main Quad and Meyer Green, Green Library is an excellent study spot for those who want a quaint and quiet space to focus in. Hours: Check their website for current hours.
Lathrop Learning Hub: Lathrop is a great place to check out if you need an evening study sesh. Chock full of whiteboards, monitors, and a few private study rooms, Lathrop is a fantastic study spot. Hours: Mon-Thur 9am-9pm, Fri 9am-5 pm, Sun 1pm-9pm
Jen-Hsun Huang Engineering Center: Huang is a fantastic spot to go to if you need a late-night study session. With a plethora of private rooms, open spaces, and couches, Huang has it all! Hours: Check their website for hours by facility.
Old Union: Conveniently located near The Axe and Palm, Old Union provides a late-night study spot. Whether you need some waffle fries, a fresh work environment, or some sweet tunes, stop by Old Union! Hours: Check their website for hours by facility.
d.School: The Design School (located in the Peterson Laboratory Building) has private study rooms and a unique, innovative ambiance that could be helpful if you’re looking to study somewhere new! Stop by to get your creative and design juices flowing. Hours: Check their website for current hours.
Cultural and Community Centers: Cultural and Community centers are a wonderful place to get to know others in your community! These spots have quaint, comfortable areas to study. Hours: Hours vary by each community center. Check their websites for more detailed information.
Tresidder Memorial Union: Often bustling with students, tour groups, and coffee chats, Tresidder Union is a great place to study if you’re looking for a more social environment. With the best of both worlds, Tresidder has fantastic outdoor tables – weather permitting – as well as pleasant indoor tables. Hours: Check their website for hours by facility.
Law School Terrace: While only an outdoor space, the LS Terrace is a beautiful, earthy space that is secluded from the hustle and bustle of the main campus. Hours: Open 24/7
Bowes Art and Architecture Library: While a bit of a trek, Bowes Library is a quiet space with a plethora of accessible monitors, as well as breathtaking views of campus! Hours: Mon-Thur, 9am - 7pm, Fri, 9am - 5pm, and Sun, 12pm - 6pm
Dorm Lounges: While not too far from home, dorm lounges can be a great place to study if you want a laid-back, social workspace. Hours: Open 24/7

We hope these resources will be helpful to you as you prepare for finals. For additional study spots on campus, check out Places to Study. You can filter by noise level, proximity to coffee shops, hours of operation, and more. Happy studying!

Written by: Chase Klavon, Class of 2025

Resources

Stanford Resources

Academic Coaching: Whether you need support in time management, writing essays and dissertations, managing procrastination, preparing for exams, or managing test anxiety, an Academic Coach can support you! Work 1-on-1 with an Academic Coach to help you navigate these challenges (and others), improve your academic strategies, suggest changes to your approach, and gain encouragement as you implement new ways of learning. Book an Academic Coaching appointment.
Office of Accessible Education: OAE is committed to promoting an accessible and inclusive environment for all students with disabilities. The OAE provides a range of academic accommodations to support students with disabilities. This may include extended time on examinations, changing of a classroom environment, or assistive technology. Learn more about the academic accommodations available to you.
The Bridge Peer Counseling Center: These trained students can offer a listening ear and/or advice on how to prepare for exams, manage stress and test anxiety, and more! Call 650.723.3392 - they are available 24/7 for calls.
Study Tips from Cherrial, a Stanford Student: Get prepped for finals with these study tips! Cherrial shares her tips on managing her workload, improving the quality of her studying, and the stress that can come up alongside these responsibilities. Tip of the Month, November 2023, The Flourish
Beating the Finals Fever: Learn 5 quick tips for supporting yourself during finals. Tip of the Month, December 2023, The Flourish
Taking Care of Yourself During Finals: Explore quick tips to incorporate into your daily routine to better prepare you for finals. Tip of the Month, March 2023, The Flourish