As spring approaches, the student body flocks outside, trading bitter nights in Chancellor Green for fresh air and warmth during end-of-semester study sessions. To provide an escape from the stuffy and solemn reading rooms of Firestone Library, here is a list of the best outdoor study spots on campus.
Cannon Green for a historic study spot
Marley Hartnett-Cody / The Daily Princetonian
Cannon Green is by far the most congested outdoor lawn on campus on a sunny day. Set behind the picturesque Nassau Hall and decorated by the “Big Cannon,” Cannon Green puts the historical roots of the University on full display. The green offers students an expansive field with lawn chairs distributed throughout, where you can grab a seat before finishing a reading or double-checking a calculation.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that as soon as the temperature rises, Cannon Green is guaranteed to be flooded with students gathering for picnics, playing spikeball, and completing coursework. While it offers an aesthetic and spacious study location, beware that your lock-in sessions may be disrupted by student revelers, tourists, and guided tour groups.
Alexander Beach for an alternative study spot
Not too far from the occasionally overcrowded Cannon Green, the lawns of Alexander Beach offer an alternative location. Situated between Richardson Auditorium and Blair Arch, Alexander Beach features close proximity to both Rockefeller and Mathey Colleges as well as the U-Store to satisfy all your snack breaks.
Alexander Beach is adjacent to Morrison Hall, which hosts an outdoor patio furnished with picnic tables overlooking the field. This spot is perfect for those who like the idea of studying outside but still need a physical desk space. I have witnessed peers sitting at these tables, laptops open, typing away. In this spot, you may still have trouble focusing, this time from a host of photoshoots.
Beware, though, that as soon as the weather heats up, large tents spring up for Princeton Preview, the series of admitted student days in April. This may put a damper on your dreams of sun-soaked afternoons studying.
Firestone Plaza for a central study spot
Marley Hartnett-Cody / The Daily Princetonian
Firestone Plaza is often a campus favorite for study breaks from working in the library. I’ve watched — and participated in — many snack breaks, phone calls, or quick loops through the plaza during my long nights at Firestone. But as the weather gets warmer, many students opt for the outdoor plaza over the cozy nooks of the Tiger Tea Room and the serene reading rooms.
Firestone Plaza not only allows for a study spot with proximity to any scholarly resources necessary within the library, but also provides an outdoor environment conducive to productivity. With several tables, chairs, and ledges dispersed throughout the area, it is an ideal study spot for those compiling independent research. Yet beware of the Orange Key tours that frequently stop on the steps of the sculpture “Song of the Values.”
Frist Lawn for a convenient study spot
Marley Hartnett-Cody / The Daily Princetonian
While your memories of Frist Lawn may consist of the crowded concerts during Lawnparties, both the North and South Lawns are excellent study spaces with close proximity to countless academic buildings on campus. Decorated with lawn chairs, both fields strike a balance between lounging and locking-in.
The South Lawn features picnic tables with an extensive patio for students. This space is no longer just for eating your late meal, but also an option for snacking and studying.
Coffee Club backyard for an artistic study spot
Marley Hartnett-Cody / The Daily Princetonian
My favorite outdoor study spot on campus is the Campus Club Coffee Club backyard, where you can be sure to see me on a warm day. The backyard offers a more hidden study space, with a few tables and chairs perfect for finishing an essay or writing an article. It’s also perfect for students wanting to grab a tasty pastry or invigorating beverage before getting in an aesthetically pleasing study session.
The backyard is an especially pleasant environment when a student artist is performing inside. With the doors ajar, the music provides a serene backdrop. No need for your noise-cancelling headphones and meticulously curated Spotify playlists when there are talented student performers inside. But watch out for basketballs from the Tower backyard.
Poe Field for a south campus study spot
Marley Hartnett-Cody / The Daily Princetonian
For those of us residing on lower campus, Poe Field is an opportune option for reading, recreation, or relaxing. While the field does lack furniture, I have witnessed many students sprawled on blankets with laptops out on a warm day.
The spot’s proximity to New College West, Yeh, and Bloomberg Hall makes Poe Field an ideal study location for southern campus students — or those who love Choi Dining Hall.
Forbes Backyard for a hidden & friendly study spot
Marley Hartnett-Cody / The Daily Princetonian
A final study spot that is off-the-beaten-path for some is Forbes College’s Backyard. While my bias as a Forbesian may influence my preference, the yard provides a beautiful environment overlooking the Springdale Golf Club and Graduate College.
The backyard has several red lawn chairs and picnic tables for a cozy study environment. On a warm day, you can witness countless team dinners, football rounds, and students studying under the sunlight. Additionally, the close-knit community of Forbes ensures this spot is a welcoming and friendly environment for all.
Marley Hartnett-Cody is a member of the Class of 2028, a contributing writer for The Prospect, and a print designer at the ‘Prince.’ She can be reached at mh8519@princeton.edu.
Please send any corrections to corrections@dailyprincetonian.com
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