Studies have shown that changing scenery can help the brain mentally refresh, reignite motivation and improve memorization of study material.
So, if the library is too full, or the dorm room is too hot and the summer air is too distracting, here are some great recommendations to change up your study environment for finals season!
Spot of Tea
Starting off with some cafes, Spot of Tea is a cafe located in Dupont Circle. What makes it so great is that it has a lower level for a quick in-and-out trip and an upper level for studying and socializing.
The cafe has many delicious and colorful boba tea flavors in addition to their regular drink menu, enticing customers to try them all during study sessions. Its location in Dupont Circle also encourages a day at the cafe to be finished off by grabbing a post-study dinner with friends.
Compass Coffee
Georgetown is known for its shopping and restaurants but it is also speckled with several excellent cafes for studying. Compass Coffee is a more traditional cafe choice. Similar to Spot of Tea, the location has a great seating area with many outlets for laptops and tablets.
In addition to their drink menu, Compass Coffee also has an extensive food selection to fuel long study sessions. With friendly staff and indoor and outdoor seating, this D.C.-based coffee shop is a must-visit this finals season.
Library of Congress
The famed Library of Congress is an optimal choice if cafes are too loud. Especially for School of International Service and School of Public Affairs students, this library may be particularly inspiring — with beautiful architecture that stimulates productive studying.
The Library requires advance registration, which is available on their ticketing website. Spots are free to reserve, but limited. And though studying here is definitely worth it, it is recommended to reserve as soon as possible.
National Portrait Gallery
An iconic study spot in D.C., the National Portrait Gallery’s Kogod Courtyard is popular for people-watching enthusiasts and finals season academics alike. Though some may say that the courtyard is overrated for the limited spots and lack of outlets, there is no better feeling than catching the courtyard on a peaceful weekday afternoon. It’s also a great place for study breaks, for those a fan of the Pomodoro Technique.
Named after Arlene Kogod and American University alumnus Robert Kogod, the courtyard was donated by the couple in 2007. This fun fact adds to why this courtyard is also sentimental as not just a D.C. staple but also a monument of pride for the University.
MLK Library
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, located just a few minutes from the Gallery Place metro station, is great for many reasons: it has several floors with plenty of space, an art exhibit to take study breaks and a reasonably priced cafe.
It also features windows that overlook the previously mentioned National Portrait Gallery, in addition to other great architecture such as the Saint Patrick Catholic Church and the Pepco Edison Place Gallery.
The library is free and open until 9 p.m.
D.C. is an extension of American University’s campus, so map out the city and find your next favorite study spot with this list of recommendations!
This article was edited by Jessica Ackerman, Marina Zaczkiewicz and Walker Whalen. Copy editing done by Olivia Citarella and Ella Rousseau.
