The Best Study Spots at NC State, 2023 Edition

With exam season upon us at NC State, we again set out to determine the best study spots for our students. 

After contacting our friends at the Academic Success Center (ASC) and surveying their tutors and Supplemental Instruction (SI) leaders, we’ve pinpointed some ideal spots to help you get ready to ace those tests. 

Here are the places they recommend and why: 

Hill Library

Perhaps this shouldn’t come as a surprise given the location of the ASC, but by far, the most recommended place by their tutors and SI Leaders is Hill Library, conveniently located on Hillsborough Street and the Brickyard. 

With 10 floors, D.H. Hill offers a wide variety of study spots to choose from. Whether you want a quiet space to study alone or a place to gather with friends/classmates to jumpstart that exam review, this library has you covered. 

According to our survey, the bookstacks on the upper floor, the individual and group study rooms, the Fish Bowl Forum and Academic Success Center are among the best places in Hill. While generally reserved for ASC services and programs, the ASC space will be open for general study space during the Reading Day and final exam period!

Hill is also an ideal spot for staying properly fueled while studying; there’s a cafe on the ground floor, The Atrium food court right next door on the Brickyard and a litany of restaurants on Hillsborough if you want to take a break and grab a bite. 

Here’s a sampling of what our tutors and SI leaders had to say about why they like Hill Library: 

• “There is usually an open spot or two in a quiet corner (in the book stacks) that I can use to do work by myself.”
• “It is conveniently located near my apartment and has food options nearby to take a break while studying.”
• “Everyone is there to get work done so it puts me in a productive mood.”
• “I love studying in the bookstacks of the library because I’m able to focus, since there aren’t many distractions. The seventh floor is my favorite because it’s quiet enough, but I can still make some noise without feeling guilty. Also, I love the seats they have with the built-in outlets.”
• “It has lots of different seating options including the quiet study area and outdoor seating. It also has a coffee shop.”

Hunt Library

Whether you live or work on Centennial Campus or you’re a main campus dweller looking for a change of scenery, Hunt Library is another perfect option for those marathon (or shorter) study sessions. 

Hunt features spectacular scenic views from the upper floors, and checking out the bookBot is always a good study break. Hunt also has a cafe on the first floor for snacks and drinks, and the On the Oval Food Hall is nearby as well. 

For all those reasons and more, our tutors and SI leaders love Hunt, singling out the quiet rooms, the sunroom on the fifth floor or the upper floor window seats as the best spots: 

• “It has a lot of great tools and plenty of whiteboard space as well as being relatively quiet.”
• “It is always quiet and everyone in there is super focused, plus I love having the whiteboard tables.”
• “The desk height and space is perfect, and there’s lots of sun!”
• “Everyone is so motivated in the quiet room, the room is spacious and has lots of desk space, and it has great views of Lake Raleigh.”
• “It’s always at least a little bit quiet in the common area on the fourth floor, there are plenty of outlets and comfortable seats, and the sun shining through the windows is relaxing.”

Talley Student Union 

Talley Student Union is an ideal spot if you prefer a bit more background noise and a lively space for studying. There’s plenty of table space near the food court on the first floor and in the lounge areas, the small booths next to Port City Java, the larger booths going towards One Earth, or the large table/lounge seating area outside of One Earth. 

There’s also ample table space on the upper floors for individual or group studying and outdoor seating in the event of nice weather. Talley, of course, also comes with the benefit of close access to food and Howling Cow ice cream.

Your Apartment or Residence Hall

Sometimes it’s hard to beat the comfort and convenience of home, right? If you aren’t up for venturing out to do your studying, posting up in your favorite spot in your home is a perfect way to get that review in. Settle in at your kitchen table/island, your favorite seat in the living room, your desk or even your bed. 

Studying at home offers the benefits of having your favorite snacks right on hand, making things as quiet or noisy as you prefer (roommates permitting, of course) and making yourself comfortable. 

• “It has all my stuff, so I won’t forget anything. It takes no time to get there. I can play music or videos out loud without disturbing anyone. I can fold my laundry and still get stuff done if I need a break. It also saves money because I’ll eat snacks I already have vs. buying food near me.”
• “It’s where I live and no one can see me suffer as I write essays and procrastinate ;). Plus it’s quiet.”

Academic Buildings 

Several students indicated they like heading to the various academic buildings on campus, especially ones where their classes are located. 

These buildings can be an ideal place to focus, and make for a logical gathering point for group study sessions with your classmates. 

The ASC’s assistant director, Sarah Stokely, can attest to these spots. 

“I actually made use of academic buildings myself when I was a student at State,” she said. “I loved the change of scenery from the library and using the large whiteboards in classrooms. The lecture halls in Park Shops were some of my go-to spots!”

I loved the change of scenery from the library and using the large whiteboards in classrooms.

• “I love the Natural Resources Library in Jordan Hall because it’s quiet and cozy as well as a common meeting place for my group members.”
• “I like the Accounting department because there are usually not many if any people there, there is plenty of space to have a notebook and computer and it is very quiet since it is around a lot of professors’ offices.”
• “I like the 1911 Building, it looks really pretty and old fashioned in there!”

Get Outside!

North Carolina weather in December can be unpredictable to say the least, but getting an unseasonably warm, sunny day is certainly not out of the question. 

If you prefer to get some fresh air while you study, there are options all over campus, such as the outdoor seating at Talley Student Union, outdoor courtyards and benches/swings outside various residence halls, the Court of North Carolina adirondacks, The Corner on Centennial Campus, Lake Raleigh and much more.