Whether you prefer the warmth of the sun or cool indoors, NYU Abu Dhabi's campus has no shortage of great places to settle down and catch up on schoolwork.
Finding new study spots can make a world of difference in productivity, and might even help you become better acquainted with the campus. Ten NYUAD students reveal their favorite study spots and explain how these places help them study and relax.
The grassy area above D1 is one of my favorite spots to do my readings for class. It's always super peaceful and when the weather's nice I can go there to relax and get some fresh air while still getting work done. Also, it's a really cool place to watch the sunset.
Grassy Lawns
“The grassy area above D1 is one of my favorite spots to do my readings for class,” said Safa Kashaf, Class of 2018. “It's always super peaceful and when the weather's nice I can go there to relax and get some fresh air while still getting work done. I'm always a little more productive and focused outdoors and the grassy spot is the perfect place as there are minimal distractions. Also, it's a really cool place to watch the sunset.”
The Library
If you seek motivation and encouragement from your peers while you study, do what Ahmed Yehia Meshref does — find a spot in the library. “The library has a good vibe,” said Meshref, Class of 2019. “Seeing other people study, chatting with friends and grabbing something from the Library Cafe makes me more productive.”
Library Cafe
The aroma of coffee. The gentle warmth of sunshine through a glass window. Cellphone chargers. The Library Cafe has all you need to ace that upcoming test. Fatima Al Romaithi, Class of 2020, said, "Two of my favorite study spots are the Library Cafe and the Marketplace, usually after 4pm. These two places have one thing in common: great atmosphere! I honestly feel encouraged to study there.”
The Marketplace
The Marketplace offers the two most important things you need for a successful study session: good food and solitude. “I'm drawn to the colors and cafe-like character of the Marketplace,” said Ritu Muralidharan, Class of 2018. “Outside of lunch hours, the level of flurry there is just right for my creative process.”
Outdoor Atriums
Right underneath the looming residential buildings are some stunning, dappled hideaways, just waiting to be discovered. Tala Nassar, Class of 2019, described why she enjoys studying in the atriums: “I actually never considered studying in the atriums until my friend Lina asked me to join her there once. When the weather outside is good, the atriums are a perfect place to find the solitude needed for studying, while still not entirely suffocating yourself in the confines of a room.”
The High Line
What’s better than lounging on a beanbag on the High Line with your textbooks? Gauraang Biyani, Class of 2020, enjoys studying on the benches outside residence. “I usually do my philosophy readings [on the High Line], and my readings are all about different arguments and conceptions of truth, reality, etc. So, I like being in contact with nature when I'm reading because it helps me contemplate these issues more and to really 'feel' them affect my life.”
Engineering Design Studio
Also known as the Superlab, this space is popular amongst many students, science majors or otherwise. “The Superlab was exactly what I needed,” said Yousra El Hassan, Class of 2019. “It was a space bustling with noise as people worked on their many different projects and yet was not distracting. Mostly because there's a small group of us that tend to study there … and we all agree it's meant to be a productive work space and do our best to maintain that. And oh yeah, there's a kitchen.
The Superlab was exactly what I needed ... mostly because there's a small group of us that tend to study there and we all agree it's meant to be a productive workspace and do our best to maintain that. And oh yeah, there's a kitchen.
Nomads Pad
The Nomads Pad in the Arts Center was built by students in the Nomads class, and is now a popular study space. Jacinta Hu, Class of 2020, explained, “I love the Nomads Pad because it's a small, cozy space where I can be comfortable while studying without getting distracted. Being in my own little bubble while also being in the beautiful, more open space of the Arts Center reminds me of being in a homemade pillow fort and I just really like the vibe."
The Amphitheater
Ifadha Sifar, Class of 2019, finds peace in the amphitheater. “I like studying in the amphitheater when the weather’s not atrocious. It’s so quiet and peaceful, and hardly anyone ever passes by the amphitheater — just the occasional faculty member.” She also has some useful advice for those planning to study outdoors: “It can get quite hot in the day, so if you’re planning to study outdoors, find some shade and don’t forget your water bottle.”
Pillow Forts
Alison Waterman, Class of 2020, recommends the comfort and warmth of a lounge pillow fort inside student residence. “We decorated the pillow fort with leaf cutouts and marker doodles on the cardboard boxes, and we covered the floor in pillows and blankets. It's a great place for any type of studying that can be done in a cozy blanket nest.”
