Underrated USC Campus Study Spots

by Adrian Mendoza ‘25

Now that we’re well into the semester, you’ve likely run into the problem of going to one of the more popular study spots like Leavey or New Annenberg and finding that it’s completely full. Whether you’re stuck on campus between classes or can’t focus in your room, searching for an open seat in these places eats into your study time and leaves you with the worst spots. Next time you’re in this position, consider moving to one of these underrated study spots instead.

photo credit: USC Hospitality

Dining Halls

Dining halls certainly aren’t the top-secret study location you may be expecting, but their potential as a study spot is absolutely underrated. Yes, you’re probably used to them being loud and crowded from when you go during lunch or dinner time but depending on when you go and where you sit, they could be the perfect place to catch up on homework. 

Both EVK and McCarthy Dining Hall have outdoor seating that is much quieter and has a better atmosphere than if you sit inside. Now that the weather is slowly cooling down, this is the prime time to use this space before we hit the winter months. If you stop in between classes, you can skip the rush, and the best part of this study spot is you have endless snacks while you study! You can grab a coffee, munch on a bowl of cereal, load up a plate full of fruit, or snack on some ice cream. For as long as you stay, you can refill your snacks as many times as you like for no extra cost.

Pros:

• Endless snacks!

•  Lots of available seating

• Outdoor seating available 

Cons:

• Have to pay/swipe in

• Can get crowded and noisy

photo credit: USC Annenberg

Old Annenberg (ANC)

When you ask people for underrated study spots, they almost always mention Old Annenberg, but it remains relatively empty. This spot is not so much unknown as it is underutilized. Particularly, the entrance along Watt Way is the ideal study spot if you value a variety of seating options.

This entrance offers a large room with both tables and comfy chairs to choose from. It’s rarely full but it does occasionally have groups working on a project, so the noise level varies. However, it is relatively central, making it easy to get to from wherever you are, and it’s a short distance from New Annenberg in case you failed to find a seat there.

Pros:

• Usually pretty quiet

• Available seating

• Middle of campus

• Variety of seating types

Cons:

• Occasionally has groups talking

photo credit: USC Today

 SCI and SCB

The School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) as a whole is a popular study spot. It has the Coffee Bean, comfortable seating, and a courtyard, but if you go during the school day, it’s usually entirely full. If you venture past the main courtyard, however, you’ll find additional buildings. If you’re not an SCA student, it may seem intimidating to wander into a building you don’t know, but SCI and SCB both have easy to find balconies perfect for studying.

These spots are fairly unknown to anyone not involved in USC Games or animation so there are always seats available and very minimal noise. You are, of course, outside, so you are subjected to whatever the weather holds for you that day, but on temperate LA days, this spot is a great place to relax and get some work done.

Pros:

• Seats available

• Outdoor seating

• Low noise level

Cons:

• Subject to weather

• Have to venture into an unknown building

photo credit: Titan AEC

Sample Hall (SKS)

Sample Hall is one that you’ve most definitely seen before but probably didn’t realize you could go into. This is the building between the Student Union and Tutor Campus Center that leads down into the basement ballrooms. The inside is large and ornate making it seem unwelcoming to students casually studying, but it is actually open to all. But with a few ground rules.

Sample Hall is extremely quiet, and students are asked to keep it that way. There is also no food allowed in the area open for studying. This may sound ideal to you, or it may be a dealbreaker depending on what you value in a study spot. The seats are comfortable and private, and the lighting is soft, creating a cozy environment.

Pros:

• Quiet

• Vibey

• Middle of campus

Cons:

• Maybe a little too quiet (like don’t cough quiet)

• No food allowed

• Not good for groups

photo credit: Annenberg Digital Lounge

Annenberg Digital Lounge

Yes, I am technically including New Annenberg on my list of underrated study spots but specifically the Annenberg Digital Lounge. This isn’t unknown to Annenberg students, but non-Annenberg students may not be aware they have access to it. On the third floor of New Annenberg is the Digital Lounge which I can personally attest is the perfect place for a neurodivergent student to study.

It’s not too quiet to chat with a group but not overwhelming, it is brightly but tastefully decorated, and it has ledges with cushions that allow you to sit in the window. You can also sit at a desk if that’s better for you, but I find the window seats to be extremely cozy and fun. 

Pros:

• You can sit in the windows!

• Good for groups

Cons:

• Not as unknown

• Not completely quiet

photo credit: Student Equity and Inclusion Program

Student Union (STU)

Many people aren’t aware that the Student Union has physical spaces for each of its cultural centers that students can hang out in even when there are no events happening. These are great, quiet spots designed to make members of the cultural group represented feel safe. These spaces include Asian Pacific American Student Services in room 421, the Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs in room 100, La CASA in room 400, and the LGBTQ+ Student Center in room 415, as well as the brand Native American & Pasifika Student Lounge in room 405, and the Middle Eastern & North African Student Lounge in room 100.

These spaces are designed to serve members of their cultural group, so this recommendation applies only to those who fit these categories, but for those who do, the centers are extremely welcoming and encourage students to spend time there.

Pros:

• Usually quiet (except during events)

• Helps students connect with their communities

• Well decorated and cozy 

Cons:

• Holds frequent events

• Closed in the evenings

• Restricted to members of their cultural groups

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