GCSU is known for its picturesque campus layout, which is filled with the perfect spots to study, do homework or hang out with friends. The way students decide where to spend their time could be chalked up to chance or grueling trial and error.
Some students find that the atmosphere and distractions of a campus setting do not always contribute to their productivity.
“I usually do homework in my apartment,” said Hannah Lanoue, a junior business management major. “I usually don’t go to places on campus because of distractions.”
For students like Lanoue, studying at home offers control over their environment, but many others gravitate toward on-campus study spaces that offer a range of settings for different needs. Whether students thrive in solitude or need the light hum of activity, GCSU has a spot for it. Here’s a guide to some of the best study locations around campus.
Russell Library— The university library remains a top contender for the ideal study spot. With floors that cater to different levels of quiet where students can find a section that matches their preferences. The third floor, known for being a designated quiet area, attracts students who need to focus without interruption. The lower levels, with group study rooms and computer access, are better for collaboration.
“I prefer to stay in quiet places and keep someone with me so I stay accountable to keep doing my assignments,” said Katie George, a freshman finance major.
The library provides a balanced environment where students can be surrounded by others yet still maintain a sense of personal space for focus.
Outdoor Spaces— For students who enjoy the outdoors, several locations across the GCSU campus offer nature-filled, serene environments. The grassy lawn of front campus, the shaded benches near the A&S fountain and the seating by the Wellness Center & Recreation Center on West Campus offer perfect spots for students looking to enjoy the fresh air while hitting the books.
“Study sessions with friends outside or at the sorority house help me stay productive,” said Hannah Beth Chapman, a sophomore history major. “I only study with them when I am ahead because I get more distracted when I am with them.”
These outdoor spots allow for flexibility and a change of scenery, especially for students who prefer not to stay cooped up indoors for too long. While they may not offer the level of silence available in indoor locations, they bring a refreshing alternative.
Health Sciences Building— For students who are particular about avoiding distractions, this spot is a hidden gem. Its third floor, known for its quiet atmosphere, is a less-trafficked area where students can focus.
“I sometimes choose to study on the third floor of the Health Sciences Building because of minimal distractions,” said Kaitlyn Hall, a junior exercise science major.
This spot combines the benefits of indoor study with fewer interruptions, making it ideal for students with heavy workloads.
For those who like to balance socializing with studying, sorority and fraternity houses can serve as productive spaces, especially when the atmosphere is calm. Study sessions in these houses often combine structured learning with peer support, and many students appreciate the accountability that comes with studying alongside friends.
Still, it is important to gauge personal productivity levels in such environments. For instance, some students find studying with friends works best when they are already ahead, as group settings tend to bring more distractions.
“The most effective place to study is in a study room so I have no distractions,” said Ansley Vom Saal, a freshman forensic chemistry major.
GCSU’s campus has a wide range of study environments that cater to all preferences for those seeking the buzz of fellow students, the serenity of outdoor spaces or the isolation of a study room. The key is understanding what study situation works best and matching that to the available spaces around campus., There is no one-size-fits-all study spot—it’s all about finding the right balance between focus and comfort.
