5 Best Places to Study on Campus

by Ayman Siraj ‘18

It is that time of the semester when the whole campus seems to get serious about studies – midterms are in full swing, group projects assigned and for some panic sets in as they try to keep up with the express pace of classes at USC. Many of us think of Leavey Library but there are other great spots as well. Here is my list of the 5 best places to study on campus!

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1. Von KleinSmid Center Library for International and Public Affairs

Nestled on the lower ground floor of VKC, this is a library that many students do not know about unless they have had a class in VKC or a friend has dragged them down to it. The library has multiple single study work desks as well as group study tables. It is usually not crowded and I am always able to find a seat. Starbucks is the nearest places to grab coffee from this library.

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Source/Siddhartha Abbazi

2. James Harmon Hoose Library of Philosophy

This library is on the second floor of MHP and is probably the quietest of the libraries. Yes I know, libraries are supposed to be quiet but this library is pin drop silence. There are individual study tables along the walls with bigger tables in the center. This library is not group study friendly though but ideal if you need to concentrate. The nearest coffee option from this library is the Coffee Bean located in the Campus Center (TCC).

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Source/Siddhartha Abbazi

3. Epstein Family Plaza

The E-Quad is one of the best outdoor study and hangout spots on campus. It is situated amongst the engineering buildings between Downey Way and Watt Way. This places tends to get packed during peak hours so it is always recommend to plan ahead if you want to grab a spot to study. There are sofas, benches, stools spread out across the plaza. Charging ports are only available in the smaller patio portion of the plaza. The nearest coffee place from here is Tutor Hall Cafe located in Ronald Tutor Hall (RTH). 

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Source/Jaskaran Singh

4. Trojan Generations Lounge (TCC 326)

This hidden gem is on the third floor of the campus center. Take the elevator beside the Seeds exit to get to the third floor and then walk along the corridor. This lounge is small and there’s usually space to study. Most of the time it is just one person sitting in a four person table so you can always just grab a table by asking politely. This place is not very noisy with the occasional group working. The nearest coffee option from this library is the Coffee Bean located in the Campus Center. (TCC)

5. Music Library

The Music Library is located in the larger Doheny Library. The fastest way to get to the music library is to take the back entrance to Doheny. I have found that this library always has a spot for me to study. There’s a smaller secretive portion once you walk to the back of the library and take the stairs down, well not really secretive but most people don’t even consider walking to the back. The nearest coffee place from this library is Literatea.

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Source/DOTX@USC


Those are my top five study spots on campus. If you have more suggestions comment below.   

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