10 Unique Study Spots at UNC

These secret study spots at UNC are awesome. If you ever need some quiet place to study, these secret study spots are where you should be going. Check it!

Nope. Davis Library and the UL are not on this list, so if you’re looking for traditional study spots or looking to lock yourself behind 4 white walls in pin drop silent, this is not the post for you. However, if you are ever bored of the usual at UNC, there are some unconventional places around campus not well known the general public that make great study spots. Here’s a list of the 10 best secret study spots at UNC.

1. Kenan-Flagler Business School McColl Study Rooms

KFBS can be considered a ‘hidden gem’ on South Campus. The bottom of floor of McColl Building has 18 private study rooms with TVs and CCI printing which are great for group projects or late-night study sessions. Cafe McColl is another place within the business school with lots of seating that is a great place to work. It’s open 24 hours(pre-business OneCard needed after 6pm).

2. Saladelia Cafe

Saladelia is another unknown study spot on campus. It’s in Marsico Hall which is part of UNC Medicine Biomedical Research Center. There are rarely any undergrads here which makes it a nice, quaint place to study without the hustle and bustle usually seen on main campus. The lively cafe has great coffee, tea, pastries and meals. Occasionally, there are food trucks on Mason Farm Road outside Marsico Hall.

3. FedEx Global Center

Taking the elevator to the 4th floor of FedEx will take you to the rooftop of FedEx. The roof is awesome if you’re looking for somewhere quiet to study and also want to enjoy the fresh air. FedEx also has study tables and chairs on the second floor for independent, silent work. EspressOasis, the cafe on the first floor, is perfect if you’re looking for a cafe to study in. FedEx also has CCI printing.

4. Graham Memorial

Beautiful. That is the only word that comes into mind when describing Graham Memorial. The intricate architecture inside and outside the building gives Graham Memorial an antiquated look. If you’re looking to escape the UNC campus and want to work in what feels like a European parlour room, Graham Memorial is the perfect place for you.

5. Carolina Union

While the Union is usually really crowded and loud, there are some places within the building that are wonderful studying environments. Usually after 7 p.m. or 8 p.m., when most classes are done for the day, the Union and the Underground are less crowded. However, if you go up to the 3rd floor, the Aquarium lounge has lots of tables and chairs for quiet work. There’s a walkway that takes you above the CUAB where there are study lounges and private study rooms. These rooms are very sunlit, great for group work and overlook the Pit and main campus.

6. Campus Y

The Campus Y is UNC’s social justice building in which many organizations host meetings and events. However, between classes, it’s an excellent place to do work, especially during common class changes when the Union or libraries are crowded. The amazing artwork throughout the building provides inspiration and motivation to accomplish your tasks.

7. Starbucks in UNC Cancer Hospital

One sentence: 24 hour access to pumpkin spice lattes and cake pops. Why wouldn’t you want this to be one of your secret study spots at UNC? This Starbucks is another hidden secret on South Campus. If you’ve ever had a friend or family member that was admitted to UNC Hospitals, you may be all too familiar with this establishment. The Cancer Hospital houses no ordinary Starbucks. This cafe has 2 floors with numerous tables and booths to sit in. If you are looking for a quieter place, there are private study rooms on the top floor of this Starbucks.

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8. Open Eye Cafe

This cafe is in Carrboro, but about a 15 minute walk from West Franklin Street. Open Eye has LOTS of tables and couches for groupwork and individual study. There are tables outside and bar seating. The diversity of seating, chill atmosphere and outstanding coffee make Open Eye an undoubtedly great study spot. If you’re looking to escape UNC for a bit, venture out to Carrboro and have a study date at Open Eye.

9. Tama Tea

This is one of the best secret study spots at UNC. Tama Tea is Franklin Street’s newest addition. This cafe has lots of seating inside and is a great place when the ever-so-crowded Starbucks next door is full. What is unique about Tama Tea is that they have a ‘Think Tank’ at the back of the cafe. This is a private study room that anyone can reserve if they need a quiet place for collaborative work or study sessions.

10. Tru Deli

Breaking news: Tru is not only for sandwiches and wine nights. We all have those study sessions when professors have mercy on us, the workload is a little lighter and you have time to hang out with your friends while working. While they are rare, it’s always nice to enjoy a nice time away from the usual study spots. Tru may not be the quietest place to work, but it’s an amazing environment if you have a group of friends who want to work while munching on some food. The couches and rooftop seating create a very laid back atmosphere that makes it easy and fun to hang out with your favorite people and work at the same time. It’s no wonder this is makes the list of secret study spots at UNC.

If you want a new studying environment or just want to explore beyond your everyday stroll around UNC, feel free to check these secret study spots at UNC out! If you need a study break, here’s where to get your UNC caffeine intake.