From quiet study corners to overlooked hangout spaces, GCSU’s campus is full of hidden gems that often go unnoticed by students rushing between classes. While popular locations like the library draw crowds throughout the day, many students say some of their favorite places to study or relax are tucked away in quieter, less expected areas of campus.
These underrated spaces offer students a chance to focus, unwind or spend time with friends without the noise and distractions of busier locations. From outdoor courtyards to building lounges, students say these hidden spots create a balance between productivity and comfort that helps them make the most of their time on campus.
Freshman pre-nursing student Ben Silfies said one of his favorite study spots is the Arts and Sciences courtyard, especially in the early morning hours.
“During the fall, my friends and I would go to the A&S courtyard after our 8 a.m. bio lecture, and we would go knock out most of our work for bio and other shared classes during that time frame,” Silfies said. “We like that spot because it was nice to sit in the sunlight, and it was nice and warm typically.”
Silfies said the courtyard stood out because it offered peace and quiet when other campus spaces felt overcrowded.
“The library’s really crowded in the morning, so it worked out because you got a lot more peace and quiet out in the courtyard, and also it was just nice to be out there in the morning when no one else was there,” Silfies said.
Junior English literature student Morning Miller said many of her favorite study spots are outdoors, even though the weather can sometimes make that difficult.
“There’s so many great hidden spots,” Miller said. “All the best ones are outside, which is really unfortunate during this rainy winter season, but I love being on main campus at the tables, especially the ones outside of Bell Hall, because the chairs are just so nice to go read at.”
As a community advisor, Miller said dorm study rooms continue to be one of her most-used spaces during the semester.
“I remember my freshman year using that nonstop because it was just a really nice way to be at home and I had all my stuff nearby, but also be in a room where I was able to fully lock in,” Miller said.
Junior management information systems student Ezra Ryall said his favorite place to study is the front porch of Atkinson Hall, which features a row of rocking chairs.
“My favorite study spot is definitely the Atkinson front porch, with all the rocking chairs,” Ryall said. “It’s super nice, especially when it gets a little warmer out, and it’s not freezing.”
Ryall said the porch is a relaxing place to get work done while enjoying the outdoors.
“I study there a lot with my girlfriend, and it’s nice to get some air while doing my homework,” Ryall said.
Students say these hidden spots offer a sense of calm and comfort that makes studying more enjoyable. Whether it’s sunlight in a quiet courtyard, the familiarity of a dorm study room or the relaxed feel of a porch, exploring these spaces can help students stay productive while also enjoying their time on campus.
As the semester continues, students may find that checking out overlooked areas of campus leads them to new favorite spots for studying, relaxing or spending time with friends.
