Where to Study at Columbia University and Around New York City

Sakura Park:

enclosed, quiet, blocks wind, near a Columbia-accessible bathroom

Located by Columbia’s International House building, Sakura Park provides a nice, quiet semi-enclosed space that gives you a taste of nature with its relaxing greenery and charming trees. Safe from the wind as winter approaches and near an accessible bathroom at International House, you can connect to the building’s Wi-Fi and make yourself comfortable on one of the park’s benches.

Pupin Hall Café:

nice for background noise, good view of streets, food, vending machines, bathroom, quick exit for walk, may be hard to snag a seat during daytime

This open space with a Joe Coffee café in the Northwest Corner Science Building could be your studying savior this semester if you enjoy a good pedestrian view and moderate background noise. With all-glass walls allowing you to see passersby below and a café at the ready to provide you with a reinvigorating coffee, this study spot is available nearly all day, even after the café closes. Situated in the corner you can find an easily accessible bathroom, as well as vending machines for a quick snack, if you plan to stay after Joe’s has closed.

Avery Library (lower floor):

very quiet, small cozy room, academic ambiance with niche books motivating, first-preference given to Architecture PhDs* could be asked to move but has never happened to me

Inside Avery Library on the lower floor, a cozy corner by the stacks awaits a quiet, serene study session for you to lock in and catch up on all that work you’ve fallen behind on. While meant for Architect graduates pursuing their PhDs, all students can use it – space permitting. A nice academic ambiance with a soothing, silent atmosphere, this spot will grant you plenty of focus up until 10:30pm.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library:

good ambiance, a bit crowded, beautiful rooftop view and scenery (the rooftop may close early during winter)

This 7-floor library has many tables, chairs, nooks and crannies where you can focus. Plenty of clean bathrooms are available throughout. Check out the beautiful rooftop view during the summer or end your study sessions with a little treat at the Bryant Park Winter Village across the street in the winter months.

Industry City:

a little far from Columbia, good for those who enjoy background noise, can be crowded at times but has plenty open space

Located two avenues down from Sunset Park in Brooklyn, this study spot is for those who don’t mind light chatter and mild background movement from passersby. Various aesthetic seating areas are available throughout the disconnected mall-like establishment. When you take a break from studying you can explore one of the many artisanal stores, food markets, and restaurants.

Ariston Café (Union Square):

coffee shop vibes with a floral aesthetic

Located nearby The New School, Ariston Café can provide you with the proper ambiance of relaxation and productivity within their hybrid flower and coffee shop. Ariston Café combines delicious pastries and drinks with floral spectacles. The café is a treat for the senses, where well thought out floral displays create an aesthetically satisfying environment.

PUBLIC Hotel:

hotel lounge without the long distance travel

In the lower east side lies the PUBLIC hotel, where a sophisticated lounge open to the public has plenty of seating for you and friends, just past their cafe located on the first floor. The hotel has free Wi-Fi for your online studying needs, as well as clean and uniquely designed bathrooms. Overall, it provides the ideal setting for quiet research or simply for just unwinding.

The Bean (On Broadway):

quiet, quirky, warm

At The Bean, you can lock in on your studies and work alongside the cafe’s notoriously quiet and studious customers while also enjoying a warm drink during the winter. The slightly quirky yet sophisticated atmosphere is ideal for facilitating concentration and creativity. I explored their flagship location. Let us know the vibes if you check out one of their other locations.

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center:

natural light and quiet corners – just a short ride away on the 1 train

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts offers a captivating world of cool stage exhibits and performing arts history. Due to being located beside Lincoln Center and Juilliard, the library is often fairly populated but has its secret nooks and crannies when explored enough. Enjoy cascades of natural light coming through the large glass windows and walls in this museum-quality environment. Open from 10:30am-8pm on Mondays and Wednesdays and 10:30am-6pm Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday.

Created by Kelsey Aparicio, University Life Communications Assistant.

Email: [email protected]