Finding coffee, carrels and quiet

While Penn students are famous for their ability to party, everyone needs to find some time to study, too. Luckily, there are study areas at Penn to match almost everyone's preference.

Looking for that traditional college study spot? The Fischer Fine Arts Library -- new and improved with wireless Internet access -- is famously silent and architecturally exquisite. In fact, you might remember it from the Tom Hanks film, Philadelphia. Though the lighting leaves something to be desired, many students and professors hail Fine Arts as the best place to read and concentrate on campus.

For students who prefer a little background noise, Houston Hall, Penn's student union, has couches and tables for studying. With an in-house crepe stand and Houston Market just downstairs, students who like to munch while cramming find Houston to be the perfect place to hit the books. And since there are often student group activities and performances in some of Houston's public areas, it's easy to catch a quick study break in between activities without leaving the building.

If you are a fan of brand new, technologically-equipped study spaces, check out Jon M. Huntsman Hall, the year-old Wharton building. Though some of its amenities are reserved for Wharton students, the communal study lounges, couch-filled Forum and group study rooms -- complete with computers and dry-erase "Smart Boards" -- have become favorites for many Penn students, especially those who like to study late.

In the mood for a less formal setting? Pick up some coffee and grab a table at Bucks County Coffee. Right across from the law school, this smaller chain cafe offers students drinks, soup and pastries -- and the proprietors are happy to let students read for hours at any of the tables. On a nice day, study outside in the backyard garden.

If you live in the Quadrangle and don't feel like leaving, bring your books and a clip-on lamp to the quietest study spot on campus -- Provost Tower. Though it's a popular spot for freshmen, the "No Talking" signs make socializing difficult. Still, the lush decor and convenient location make it an optimal reading spot.

Of course, no list of study options is complete without Van Pelt Library on Locust Walk. The facility's 24-hour Rosengarten Undergraduate Study Center, also known to some as "Socialgarten," is one of the busiest studying hubs on campus. Filled with traditional carrels, study tables, computer clusters and comfortable couches, the basement of the library is packed during exam times and busy year-round.

On nice days, the lawn in front of the library is always crowded with students reading and enjoying the sun. With the new library cafe set to open this fall, Van Pelt will likely continue to be one of the most popular study spots at Penn.

With so many options for reading, writing and working, it's no wonder Penn students are known not only for playing hard, but studying hard, too.

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