Where To Study When Gelman Is Out of Space

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By Brandon Wallace, EIC News

With finals season upon us, studying in Gelman, as most of you know, isn’t exactly an easy task. Between evening reservations being booked days in advance and common spaces crammed with students trying to study, sometimes some other options are needed. In and around campus there’s a multitude of hot spots that you need to know about.

On-Campus

Eckles Library

I find that when I tell people I study in Eckles they give me some weird looks, but this is truly a hidden gem at GW. I find that when I really need to study, Eckles is always the place to get work done rapidly. Last year, as finals approached each semester, I found myself staying in Eckles as late as I could muster. One added benefit of this library is the accessibility to private rooms without needing a reservation. In Gelman, you are limited to two hours a day for reservations, but in Eckles, there is a first-come-first-serve method that is particularly beneficial. Plus, as it gets colder (and hopefully snows) the Vern just gets prettier. Sometimes getting out of Foggy is so needed and the Vern can provide a really nice escape that you did not know you needed.

Empty Classrooms

I remember last year when I could not for the life of me find a space to study, many friends recommended I go to the empty classrooms around campus and finish all of my work.

While I did not get around to trying this until this year, again, this was a hidden study hack I did not realize was in front of me the whole time. I recently spent a Saturday in an empty classroom in Duquès and studied for hours. I finished so much work and the windows added some really pretty natural light that really created a homey environment that really helped me get my work done. Not to mention, sometimes leaving campus is just not plausible for all students and this was a nice on-campus spot to tackle some work.

Marvin Center Lower Levels

Marvin is typically one of the busier study hubs on campus, but people don’t usually realize that the first lower level, where the Colonial Health Center is located, has extra seating and study rooms for people who really need to grind. You can access this spot through the second entrance to Marvin on H street. I also have to include the third-floor terrace, also in Marvin, which was just redone this year and is perfect for an outdoor study sesh if the weather permits it.

Off-Campus

The National Portrait Gallery

Hear me out, the walk may just be worth it (and if not, you could always scooter or Lyft). With stunning portraits and images, the gallery is a marvel to just see. With a courtyard in the center, there is plenty of space to distance yourself from Foggy and study. Likewise, when you need a study break, you can get lost in the artwork. I find that I always want to do wholesome things in the city – including seeing museums and artwork. As such, I really enjoyed this study spot. I found myself not wanting to leave because I was obsessed with the ambiance.

Compass Coffee

If you’re looking for a bougie-er study experience, Compass Coffee has locations all around the city. The best and biggest is located on 17th street. Not only are the lattes to die for, but there is ample seating and the perfect amount of background noise if you ask me. The place is full of young professionals on their coffee breaks or entrepreneurs taking work calls or designing websites. It’s always an inspiring and humbling experience to surround yourself with motivated people, especially in D.C., and Compass is a great place to do just that.

The Library of Congress

Who else can say that they studied for their Anthropology final in the Library of Congress!? I highly encourage everyone to do this at some point in their time at GW. Of course, it is a beautiful building, but it is also a quiet and professional place to study. In order to study in the main reading room (which is the room that you’ve probably seen in movies or TV shows), you need to first get a reading card, which is a quick and painless process that you can complete when you get to the building. You can’t bring a backpack in, so make sure you keep all of your personal belongings close! After that, you are free to study and gawk at the stunning architecture of this historic building.