By Maria L.

As the Spring weather gets even more beautiful, I’m more inclined to leave my apartment and venture to other places on campus to get all my academic and creative work done.

In the roughly two years I’ve been at USC Annenberg, I’ve crafted a tried-and-true list of my favorite study spots to frequent on the University Park campus with friends or solo.

Here’s are my top picks:

- Alumni Plaza

Sitting under the pink floss silk flower trees and people watching are some of the perks of this study spot at Wallis Annenberg Hall.

- The USC School of Cinematic Arts Courtyard

Sometimes you need to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of a renowned film school to fuel your creative juices.

- Hoose Library of Philosophy reading nooks

A peaceful and stunning alternative to a study room in the village. This library has it all: stained glass windows, old books, leather seats, and a beautiful courtyard to sit in if you need a break.

- Leavey Library patio couches

I love grabbing an acai bowl from the Tutor Campus Center with my friends and getting comfy on these couches for a sunny midday work session. The patio is a comfy spot to work and people watch while being conveniently situated between the Trojan Grounds illy café and the indoor locations of Leavey Library for a bathroom or printing space.

- The Sidney Harman Academy for Polymathic Study in Doheny Memorial Library

Every time it’s a rainy or gloomy day on campus (a rare sight), I make a beeline for the Harman Academy on the second floor of Doheny. It’s a quiet space with a nice view of campus from here and is consistent with the “dark academia” aesthetic the rest of the library has. When you’re done with your to-do list, be sure to check out the different Polymathic events that are held in the same room — they are so insightful!

- The USC Helenes Bench in Alumni Park

As current Co-President of the USC Helenes, I’m a bit biased when I say this is the best bench on campus. This marble bench sits under the trees in Alumni Park making it a perfect reading spot.

- A shaded bench in Argue Plaza

Right by Widney Alumni House, Argue Plaza is filled with rose bushes, meticulously trimmed grass, and a relaxing fountain. I love sitting here to write articles for Daily Trojan or read for my Thematic Option courses in the late afternoon. There’s lots of benches so you may see some other Trojans doing the same.

I hope these peaceful corners of campus provide you a reinvigorated sense of productivity if you choose to switch up your normal routine! Study on!