Skip the lib: sunny study spots

With midterms approaching, it may be stressful to find places to study. Fortunately, Occidental’s campus has the perfect outdoor study spots. In an effort to make these areas more obvious, I’ve compiled a list of lesser-known and more well-known spots, that I’ve named, to hit the books.

The Classic Quad

The Classic Quad, formally known as The Academic Quad, is popular thanks to the numerous benches, lines of trees and central location. Its centrality makes it easy to study in between classes. The Classic Quad is easily accessible, has a soothing natural environment and offers lots of space.

Mullin Grove

Mullin Grove, while perhaps an unfamiliar name, is the official name of the lawn leading to Occidental’s entrance. There are a couple of benches and a large grass area. Don’t worry about getting distracted here — this part of campus is usually relatively empty.

“The Rock”

The Rock is to the right of Mullin Grove, if you are facing Campus Road, near the entrance to Occidental’s campus. It is a small area outside the pool where there are wooden chairs and tables next to a large rock; it’s definitely a more secluded and quiet study space.

“Young Hill”

Young Hill is below the quad where there are miniature reclining slopes near Gillman Fountain. This workspace is pleasant due to the trees on top of the mound, which are great for shade if needed, but the hill can also be great if you’re looking for a sunnier spot.

“Masterpiece”

Masterpiece is the lawn area between Herrick and the Academic Commons interspersed with lamp posts. The green grass, lamp posts, beaming sun and people walking their dogs makes Masterpiece feel tranquil. All of these factors make working here feel like studying inside a painting.

Booth Courtyard

Booth Courtyard, located in the center of all the rooms in Booth Hall at the north entrance of campus, has a lot to offer: music, benches, a center fountain, trees and flowers. This makes it a calm place to study.

“Neverland”

Neverland is alongside the pathway to Booth Courtyard on the north side of The Cooler. Soak in the mix of bowing trees, wooden benches, uneven ground and short tree stumps and you’ll soon realize this is a place where time could go by without you even realizing.

Sycamore Glen

Sycamore Glen is a small area on the way to the first-year dorms and next to the Moore Laboratory of Zoology building. It has many wooden picnic benches, making it easier to sit down for a more formal study session. This is the perfect spot for those who enjoy working in a more traditional setting but still enjoy trees and squirrels.

Stewie Beach

Stewie Beach, in front of Stewart-Cleland (“Stewie”) Hall across from Anderson Field, is convenient due to its large grass lawn with lots of workspaces that seem boundless if one is lying in the middle on a beach towel. Warning: it is loud, as there may be frequent cars passing by.

Mount Fiji

Mount Fiji is the iconic hill that rises behind Occidental. Fiji is worth the hike because of the view of the city of Los Angeles at the top, the breeze and the rustling leaves.