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Variety of options available for study spots at MU

No matter your studying needs, there are places on and off campus.

By Rachel Krause

Published Dec. 8, 2009

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As final exams roll around, thousands of MU students will embark on a weeklong marathon of test taking, late-night studying and chronic stress. No need to panic: Here's what students say about finding the perfect place to prepare.


Ellis Library

Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday; noon to 2 a.m. Sunday; 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. during finals week

Food: Bookmark Cafe, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Computers: Computers and printers are available but taken quickly.

Perhaps one of the most obvious study spots on campus, Ellis Library can also get very busy during finals week.

While studying near the computer workstations, senior Alex Ferrell said Ellis is very versatile.

"I can go on the second floor among the books, so it's quiet -- serious studying," Ferrell said. "If you kind of want distraction, this floor makes me more relaxed. If you have to meet someone, this floor is good."

When hunger pains start to kick in, Bookmark Cafe serves up coffee, smoothies, sandwiches and a variety of other snacks, which are not allowed beyond the cafe's seating area. As an extension to MU Libraries, various schools have their own places to study.


Memorial Union

Hours: Starting Thursday, it will be open 24 hours.

Food: Wheatstone Bistro, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Starbucks, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; microwave available

Computers: There is a limited number, so bring a laptop

Although there are plenty of sofas, chairs and tables, senior Melissa Scroggs said it could be difficult to get a seat.

"I like to study at Memorial Union because it's not too quiet," Scroggs said. "I think the library can be distractingly silent."

If students forget a pen, a school supply vending machine is available. In addition, students who don't want to purchase food or coffee from Starbucks or Wheatsone Bistro can use the microwave in Bengal Lair.


Pershing Commons

Hours: open 24 hours

Food: Subway, Mizzou Market; microwave available

Computers: Computer lab and printer are available.

With a spacious computer lab, Subway and the 24-hour Mizzou Market, Pershing Commons has plenty of resources for students.

"Pershing can be somewhat of a distraction because of the high traffic," senior Jeffrey Carr said. "But if they're not affected by the noise level, I think it's a great place."

The chairs and tables are not particularly comfortable, but there are plenty of windows letting in natural light.


Leadership Lounge in the student center

Hours: 24 hours

Food: Truman's Takeout, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Computers: There is a limited number, so bring a laptop.

The leather and tiger-striped chairs and sofas are usually vacant at the Leadership Lounge, creating a very quiet study atmosphere rivaling Ellis.

Sophomore Mo Canellas said she likes the comfort of the lounge.

"This is the quietest," Canellas said. "Downstairs has food, but it's a lot comfier than sitting downstairs at a table."

If groups are unable to find a spot at Memorial Union or Ellis Library, Canellas said students might come to lounge.

Fresh sushi, sandwiches and coffee are only a short walk downstairs at Truman's Takeout.


If students feel the need for a change of scenery, Ninth Street provides a variety of locations only a short walk from campus.

Besides warm food and lots of caffeine, coffee shops can provide a more relaxed atmosphere and are typically open until midnight. Unlike the past couple years, Starbucks will not remain open 24 hours during finals week.

"For me, snacking and drinking coffee really helps me stay focused where I'm studying," freshman Annie Hall said. "I would definitely say Kaldi's is a relaxing atmosphere whereas sometimes I feel more stressed the more crowded places are, or if it's quiet, I get sleepy and tired."

Below are some off-campus hotspots:


Kaldi's Coffeehouse: 29 S. Ninth St.

6 a.m. to midnight, Monday to Saturday; 6:30 a.m. to midnight, Sunday

Wi-Fi: comes with purchase of any item, expires in two hours


Lakota Coffee Co.: 24 S. Ninth St.

6 a.m. to midnight, Monday to Saturday; 6:30 a.m. to midnight, Sunday

Wi-Fi: free


Panera Bread Company: 102 S. Ninth St.

6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday; 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday,

Wi-Fi: free


Starbucks Coffee: 304 S. Ninth St.

5:30 a.m. to midnight, Monday to Saturday; 6 a.m. to midnight, Sunday

Wi-Fi: free to AT&T customers and Starbucks card owners, $3.99 to others


Apartment/residence hall

Although there are dozens of study location options, some students prefer not to bear the Missouri cold to study for final exams. Sophomore Josh Flores said he focuses better at his apartment.

"I don't have to worry about anything else, and I can just have the solitude of my own room," Flores said. "I don't have to worry about being around other people and listening to them."

Comments (3)

1:04 p.m., Dec. 8, 2009

Law Student Parent said:

Are there any study spaces on campus that are appropriate for students with children? The article mentions quiet spaces as well as a few spots to go to meet with others, but I haven't been able to find a spot where I could set up my computer or have some study time while bringing my child along for a while. Obviously this would bother other students in the library, and I wouldn't feel comfortable doing this in a crowded coffee shop downtown. Especially right now, adequate study space is absolutely necessary. Sitters are difficult to find (and expensive!) in the evenings.

12:09 p.m., Dec. 9, 2009

Rachel Brekhus said:

An couple of additional notes on Ellis Library: 1) Students can use our online reservation system to reserve up to two hours at a time in one of the several group study rooms in Ellis Library. At this time of year, you should reserve a room at least a full day in advance; further ahead is safer for the popular afternoon and evening hours. See the link to "Reserve a Study Room" on the left sidebar of our home page. 2) Ellis Library designates some spaces for quiet study and allows talking in other spaces. 3) For the truly "hardcore student," we have a number of study cages available for semester or full-year rental. Preference and a price break are given to Ph.D. students who have completed coursework.

2:30 p.m., Dec. 13, 2011

@ Law Student Parent said:

The Women's center (located at G108 in the student Center) has many "study spaces," but they also provide an area called "the family room" where you can play or study with your child. Below is a link to their services http://womenscenter.missouri.edu/?page_id=11

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