Photo Courtesy of Gabriela Castro
By Gabriela Castro
TAMPA, Fla.– For some University of Tampa students, studying means finding a quiet corner away from crowded rooms. For others, it means sitting outside, enjoying a view of campus, or working in a Starbucks surrounded by people.
The Macdonald – Kelce library remains one of the university’s designated academic spaces, offering students access to books, printers, and even study rooms open for reservations. However, students’ preferences vary depending on the environment in which they feel most comfortable studying.
Lisa White, a junior, said she prefers a seating area on the second floor of FIT, where she can usually find an empty spot. White said she chooses the location over the library because of the number of students using its study spaces. “Well, because the library is always packed, and when people get study rooms they don’t really leave them,” White said.
Approximately 11,400 students attend the University of Tampa, making the demand for finding a study room high.
White said she also had difficulty finding a productive study environment in the library during her freshman year. Her experience highlights how the availability of seating and study rooms can influence where students choose to study and do work.
Students across campus use different locations to complete their assignments, prepare for exams, and work between classes. Although the Macdonalds-Kelce Library does provide a designated academic environment, some students prefer other campus locations because of their seating, surroundings, and availability.
In an article titled “Where Brains and Beauty Meet,” published by UTampa News, the university described study spaces throughout campus designed to accommodate different working preferences.The article highlighted open areas for students who prefer background noise and quieter spaces for those seeking fewer distractions. It also described individual tables, and even booths for groups to study.
Photo Courtesy of Gabriela Castro
For senior Destin Bray, the sixth floor of Grand Center is his preferred place to study because of its views and outdoor setting.“I have to say sixth floor of Grand,” Bray said. Because the view is immaculate and I get a nice little breeze of the day. You know. Bray’s preference differs from that of students who seek indoor study environments.
Photo Courtesy of Gabriela Castro
The university offers numerous locations for students to prepare for midterms outside the library, a popular one being at the Starbucks in Innovation Center.
Photo Courtesy of Gabriela Castro
Natalie Litrell, a senior design major, said she usually studies at Starbucks because she likes being around other people while completing her work.
“I really like to be outside sometimes, and I like to be around people,” Litrell said. “I don’t want to be too isolated when I’m studying, and I focus really good outside.”
The Jenkins Health and Technology building is another option. Anthony Garcia, a junior majoring in economics and environmental science, said he prefers the sixth floor, where he can sit near a window overlooking campus. “I actually like being, like, next to the window and looking out on the campus.
Photo Courtesy of Gabriela Castro
Although the library remains an option, students continue to use other campus locations to find study environments, while avoiding library traffic. For students, their experiences reflect the challenges of finding a study environment that meets their needs. Between classes, students must balance assignments, deadlines, and limited time to complete their work. For some, that means finding that open seat near a window, while others look for a place where they can spread out their materials without interruption. The variety of locations students use reflects how studying extends beyond the library and into different parts of everyday life.