I’ve never appreciated the life that warm weather breathes back into the University more than recently. Much like the crowds of people laying out near the Rotunda, these warm temperatures have also inspired me to study outside. However, not every outdoor study space is created equally, and certain qualities are necessary in order to qualify it as an elite spot. With any luck, abiding by the criteria listed below will help you find “the one” just in time for your finals cram session.
1. A goldilocks amount of lighting
Part of the reason to study outdoors is to soak in the natural light from the sun. However, while the ideal study space should have direct access to sunlight, it should also maintain an ample amount of shade — no one wants to squint to see what’s on their computer screen. For this reason, I despise the tables outside Clem because without any surrounding buildings to provide accessible shade, the sun is suffocating. Instead, I prefer a table with some sort of awning that effectively filters out some of the bright light that comes with being outdoors.
2. Not too busy
I love a gatekept study spot — the fewer people, the better, not only for finding an empty spot for yourself, but often one to also accommodate your friends. If you’re anything like me, you love studying with your friends, but it can be next to impossible to find a table that will fit everyone. Recently, I discovered the courtyard of the McIntire School of Commerce, and it is my new go-to. I can always find a place to sit, whether that be on the couches or elevated tables, and so far, it has not gotten overcrowded. Though I guess I just spilled the beans about it.
3. No outdoor mess
A downside to an outdoor study space is that it will inevitably be less clean than the freshly wiped-down tables inside. This time of year in particular, there are often natural remnants in the form of pollen, leaves and suspicious bugs. Especially because I am allergic to pollen, the last thing I need is to leave my study session with uncontrollable sneezes and red, watery eyes. For this reason, I enjoy studying on the terrace or another similar setting that features fewer trees to create a mess to benefit both the space and my health.
4. Comfy chairs
Another typical drawback to outdoor seating is undoubtedly the seating options themselves. Since outdoor seating must accommodate all types of weather, the chairs — often stiff and lacking cushion or support — sacrifice comfort for durability. In fact, many of the chairs leave my butt and back in desperate need of the chiropractor. There is some hope, though — some outdoor study spots have finally managed to satisfy the need for a decent chair. Specifically, the courtyard at Commerce features couches with cushions that you can sink into. I have even seen people sleeping on the couches, which, I cannot lie, does look appealing sometimes.
5. A sturdy table
Just like how the seating can be lacking in outdoor spaces, the tables can sometimes have their own array of issues. Whether it be due to the weather wearing away at the material or the lack of upkeep on outdoor furniture, I have had one too many tables be wobbly or have cracks throughout it. There’s nothing worse than putting your stuff down at a table only for it to lurch in the other direction due to being off-balanced. Keep this in mind when planning out the perfect place to lock in, and avoid the horror of a teetering table.
6. Proximity to food
Hunger and studying go hand-in-hand for me — I must always have a snack in hand in order to be productive during my cram session. Therefore, while there are some seemingly great study spaces, it’s a “no” for me if it’s not near some type of food source. For this reason, I love the mix of wooden round and rectangular picnic tables located outside of Nau Hall. Allowing me to soak up some Charlottesville sunshine and just steps from The Den and Grit Coffee — both on-Grounds meal options — these places have admittedly claimed too many of my Flex Dollars.
7. Noise level
We all know the rules — if you are in the mood to chat with your friends, you go to Clem 2. If you need complete, depressing silence, Clem 1 is the place. These unspoken policies apply to outdoor study spaces as well. Studying at the amphitheater is sure to entertain you, with its constant flow of students passing and the accompanying commotion. However, if you want a space to lock in that is not overly trafficked, there are certainly quieter atmospheres. An area that is not a common footpath for students is bound to be less distracting. Often, in places like these, the only noise that can be heard is the blowing of the wind or a bird chirping, which I find to be very calming.
8. Access to outlets
Having fully charged devices is a rare occurrence for me, which means that an outlet close by is a non-negotiable for wherever I choose to study. Unfortunately, most outdoor spaces do not have any power outlets adequately near, which, to be fair, does make sense. Still, I feel that it should become more of a priority for the University to provide accessible outlets around outdoor spaces to encourage more students to study in the fresh air. When I found a few outlets in the courtyard of the Commerce school, I felt like I struck gold.
9. Protection from rain
Inevitably, an outdoor study space is typically a lost cause when the rain rolls in, so if there is a huge storm coming, retreating inside or bringing a rain jacket is probably your best bet to keep yourself and your computer dry. There are also some areas located under the overhang of a roof that could offer some dry refuge. Personally, I will still utilize one of these types of hybrid spaces as I find the sound of rain to be calming, almost like a white noise. Therefore, do not be too surprised if you catch me sitting outside when the rain starts coming down. Don’t worry, I wasn’t forced.
10. A scenic view
If you’re concerned that I compiled a whole list of outdoor study spaces without mentioning the University’s scenery, don’t be — I was saving the best for last. Studying in scenic locations is a must, especially when the University pours so much effort into maintaining the visual aesthetics of Grounds. Interestingly, I find that with a scenic view, I am more motivated to get my work done. If you want a spot with a perfect view of this gem, the picnic tables in the grassy area between the Corner and the Rotunda are the way to go, plus they check nearly every other piece of criteria, undoubtedly earning outdoor study spot superiority.
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