NYU Declassified #2: On-Campus Study Spots

Tip #273: Scout Institute/Skautský institut

Not even a minute’s walk away from both academic buildings lies the Scout Institute. This oddly professional-looking building is home to strong coffee, light snacks, and an after-school pivo (if you’re legal). With both indoor and outdoor seating, this unique spot attracts many students from all universities all over Prague. The outside balconies offer many different tables with three levels of seating, as well as a communal library and a piano. I go there almost every day, meeting for group projects, doing independent work, or catching up with friends. This spot is a must for on-campus studying, but as the weather gets colder, make sure to bring a jacket! 

Tip #411: 2nd-floor library in the Blue Building 

Let’s not underestimate the traditional study spots such as libraries. I spend a lot of time in the blue building library on the 2nd floor. There is a lot of space, so you feel surrounded only by yourself and books— a great atmosphere for productive working or studying!  Moreover, there is good natural daylight from the windows. I like that you can easily find and read a physical book for any of your classes, and there is no need to carry it to your dorm. 

 

Tip #211: Check out the Blue Building’s 2nd-floor library between classes.

If you have a couple of hours between classes, but it’s just not enough time to make it home, spend your break in the blue building library. On the second floor, on the right side, there are three tables with chairs and a couple of comfy armchairs too. While there, you can also check out their books— they have a great selection of journalism, photography, history, travel, and translation books. There’s also a printer and a water cooler. For someone who’s trying not to buy more than one coffee a day, it’s the perfect place to get a little bit of studying in before class. Much more convenient, too— your classes are literally just steps away.

 

Tip #202: Blue Building Silent Study Room

The benefits of the lovely Blue Building Library have been well established, but for those who require silence to focus on their work, the building has a hidden gem tucked away on the 2nd floor. The quiet study room offers comfy armchairs, a table with plenty of workspaces, and the same academic ambiance as the main library. But, the best part of this silent sanctuary is that students are able to reserve the space in advance! If you have a big assignment that you need to concentrate on or an important Zoom meeting and no quiet space available, the quiet study room is your answer! Simply book a block of time through the Google Calendar “NYU Prague-BB-Quiet Study Room” and enjoy the peace and quiet.

 

Tip #178: In your dorm

Don’t underestimate your dorm as a great study location. The trick is to study with your friends or roommates. Your dorm, especially your desk or the kitchen, can be a great place for everyone to gather and get to work. Surrounded by hard-working people, I can’t be the one who gives up or stops studying while everyone is still working. Plus, it’s a great way to bounce your ideas off of others and get good feedback. You can also play background music as loud as you want if it’s before quiet hours (which in Prague are mandated starting at 10:00 pm). 

This trick does NOT work for everyone. It only works if everyone is dedicated to actually getting work done. If someone is making progress on their essay and seems ultra-focused, leave them alone; ask for advice from another person who seems stuck. Other than that, studying in the dorm is great because you can grab a cup of coffee or a sandwich. Though, if your assignment is really frustrating, then you can grab a tissue from the bathroom. 

 

Tip #35: 4th floor in Osadni 

Wherever you live, Osadni or Machova, you should definitely check this spot out! The fourth floor of Osadni has several couches where you can lie down and feel comfortable while reading literature for classes. You can also find a large table, computers, a printer, and some stationery. Best of all, I love the balconies! They are equipped with couches, tables, chairs, and even a hammock! The views are so beautiful, and I feel really inspired there. The environment there makes me work and study more productively.

 

Tip #513 Máchova Study Lounge (Top Floor)

She is beauty. she is grace. she is the Máchova Top Floor Study Lounge. If you’ve been up there, you know exactly why I am recommending this lovely spot as a place to study. As much as I love studying in my room, it is nice to have a change of scenery from time to time. Grab your things and head up the stairs to focus, grind, and run into some of your classmates. The couches are comfortable, the natural lighting is refreshing, the view is spectacular (and gets even better at night), and it is only a couple of steps away from your room if you live in Máchova. Don’t shy away from going here if you live in Osadni…we know you have a nice study lounge, but our Prague 2 rooftop has views for days.

 

By NYU Prague Now staff

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