It can be easy for students to seclude themselves in their rooms to study and finish class assignments, but with over 200 acres of campus at students’ fingertips, there are plenty of other study spots waiting to be enjoyed.

Whether it’s a scenic spot to lock in on studying before fast-approaching midterms or a low-key study date spot to impress a situationship, USC boasts a treasure trove of lesser-known spots to choose from.

Annenberg Digital Lounge

Located on the third floor of Wallis Annenberg Hall, the Annenberg Digital Lounge has a variety of seating options, but the best are the window seats. The window seats offer an optimal view for basking in the sun and people-watching, overlooking Lazzaro Plaza in front of Allyson Felix Field.

The lounge is generally quiet, with music and conversations kept to a low volume, making it an optimal space to focus. While outlets are abundant, seats can sometimes be limited as more students flock to the under-the-radar spot.

Tutor Campus Center

Trying to find a quiet place to study during the day can seem impossible, but you can find a bit of calm above the storm at Tutor Campus Center. Even as herds of students come in and out of TCC to get food throughout the day, a seat on the TCC balconies is a great place to be productive while still being surrounded by the energy of the bustling campus.

Nearby, The Upstairs is a hidden gem dining option that serves ramen bowls every Tuesday through Thursday afternoon, making for a perfect warm meal to fuel studies. 

For students who are more productive late at night, TCC also has evening study spaces with the Trojan Generations Lounge and Graduate Student Lounge, which close at 11 p.m., and meeting rooms available until midnight. 

School of Cinematic Arts balconies and courtyard

USC is known across the world for its film school, and the School of Cinematic Arts building should be no different. Open to all students, the balconies on the third floor have outdoor seating and overlook the courtyard of SCA, making for a vibrant and tucked-away location to catch up with friends over coffee from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

Hoose Library of Philosophy

For an idealistic college study experience, the Hoose Library of Philosophy is the perfect place to go. Nicknamed USC’s “Hogwarts,” the nearly 100-year-old building is a work of art in its own right, featuring ornate arches and stained glass windows.

Bookshelves stuffed with thousands of books line the walls, moody lighting comes from detailed chandeliers and a deafening silence typically fills the air of this impressive library. The library is also filled with furniture and artwork from local artists, making it the perfect space for a quiet study session.

Cafes on and near campus

For those who need a hefty dose of caffeine to be productive, there are several local and chain cafes located on and around campus that make for excellent study spaces and meeting places. Literatea inside Doheny Memorial Library is a cozy, slept-on cafe with a slow-paced vibe and tasty bites to fuel cram sessions. 

About a mile north of campus, Nature’s Brew serves up light bites and specialty drinks alongside a fresh atmosphere, perfect for a Sunday morning brunch and study session. Slightly closer to campus, South LA Cafe’s location inside the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is a clean, modern spot with minimal crowds and excellent, affordable coffee options.