Opinion: My Top Five Study Spots at CSUN After Four Years on Campus

Written By: Omid Khanian

CSUN SEAL — PICRYL

As a senior at California State University, Northridge, expected to graduate in December 2027, I have spent countless hours studying across campus. Whether it was preparing for a midterm, writing a paper, completing homework or studying for a final exam, finding the right study environment has always been important to me.

Over the past four years, I have explored many different study spots at CSUN. Some offered quiet spaces, some provided comfortable seating and others gave me a chance to step outside and enjoy the campus atmosphere. After years of searching for the perfect place to focus, these are my top five study spots at CSUN.

Sierra Center (PHOTO BY: CSUN).

Coming in at #5 on my list is the Colleagues Room on the second floor of Sierra Center.

Over the years, I have found it to be a solid place to study between classes. The room is usually quieter than many outdoor areas and offers plenty of seating for students looking to complete assignments or prepare for exams.

The reason it lands at #5 is because it can become distracting at times. Many students use the area for group study sessions, and conversations can make it difficult to focus when working on an important assignment. If you happen to forget your headphones or earbuds, the distractions become even more noticeable.

Another drawback is the limited number of charging outlets. As a commuter student who often spends several hours on campus, finding an available outlet for a laptop or phone can sometimes be difficult.

Despite those issues, Sierra Center remains a comfortable place to study and deserves a place on this list.

Maple Hall on the CSUN campus, photographed March 11, 2026. (Photo by Omid Khanian.)

Coming in at #4 on my list is Maple Hall.

One of the best features of Maple Hall is its quiet study rooms. These spaces provide a calm environment where students can focus on assignments, prepare for exams or work on projects without many distractions.

The rooms are also great for collaboration. Several rooms include televisions that can be used for presentations and screen casting, making them useful for group projects. Whether you are a Journalism, History, Math or CTVA student, the rooms provide a professional space to work with classmates.

The seating is comfortable, and the building’s modern design creates a welcoming environment for studying.

The reason Maple Hall does not rank higher on my list comes down to temperature. In Room 323, especially during September and October, the large windows can make the room feel extremely warm. During December and January, the room can feel surprisingly cold.

Even with those drawbacks, Maple Hall remains one of the most reliable study locations on campus.

The University Library at CSUN, photographed Oct. 3, 2023. (Photo by Omid Khanian.)

A squirrel sits on the grass near the University Library at CSUN on Feb. 18, 2026. (Photo by Omid Khanian.)

Coming in at №3 on my list are the grass and benches near the University Library.

This spot is at its best during the spring semester. Whenever I need a break from studying indoors, I enjoy bringing my laptop outside and working on assignments while enjoying the fresh air.

The weather during the spring is usually ideal. It is cool enough to be comfortable but not so cold that it becomes distracting. I usually recommend bringing a hoodie because the breeze can occasionally make it feel chilly.

One of my favorite things about studying here is the atmosphere. Instead of sitting inside a building, students are surrounded by grass, palm trees and some of the friendliest squirrels on campus. Spending time outdoors can make long study sessions feel less stressful.

The biggest drawback is the weather. I would avoid studying here during the beginning of the fall semester because Northridge temperatures can become overwhelming. Spending hours outside in August or September can quickly become uncomfortable.

Still, during the spring semester, this is one of the most relaxing places to study at CSUN.

The Sol Center at CSUN. (Photo courtesy of CSUN.)

Coming in at #2 on my list are the study rooms on the second floor of the Sol Center.

Believe it or not, I did not even realize these rooms existed until my sophomore year. Once I discovered them, they quickly became one of my favorite places on campus.

The best way I can describe these rooms is that they feel like a private dorm room. They are quiet, comfortable and perfect for focusing on assignments, projects and exam preparation.

The rooms also offer air conditioning, charging outlets and excellent views of campus. Everything a student needs for a productive study session is available in one place.

The only downside is that the rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Because they are so popular, finding an open room during the middle of the day can sometimes be difficult.

Even with that drawback, the privacy and comfort make the Sol Center study rooms one of the best study locations at CSUN.

An individual study room on the third floor of the University Library. (Photo by Omid Khanian.)

Taking the top spot on my list are the study rooms on the third floor of the University Library.

Out of every study location I have used during my time at CSUN, this is the one I have relied on the most.

Before using one of these rooms, students must reserve a room through the University Library reservation system. According to the library, students may reserve up to one room per day for a two-hour time block, up to seven days per week.

What makes these rooms special is the privacy and lack of distractions. Throughout my years at CSUN, I have used these rooms for homework assignments, quizzes, midterms, final exams and major projects. Whenever I need a quiet place to focus, this is where I go.

The rooms allow students to work at their own pace without worrying about noise from other students. If I want to listen to music while studying, I can. If I need a snack or a drink during a long study session, I can bring one with me. Just remember to clean up afterward so the room remains clean for the next student.

I have probably spent more time in these study rooms than anywhere else on campus. They have helped me get through some of the most important assignments and exams of my college career.

For that reason, the University Library study rooms remain my favorite study spot at CSUN. Students interested in reserving a study room can do so through the CSUN University Library reservation system

Every student studies differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some students prefer complete silence, while others enjoy studying outdoors or working with friends.

After four years at CSUN, these are the locations that have helped me stay productive, complete assignments and prepare for exams. Whether you are a freshman just beginning your college journey or a fellow senior looking for a new place to study, I encourage you to explore campus and find the environment that works best for you.

You might be surprised by what you discover.