When finals week comes around, USF students, like most, are determined to stay in the Library until their studying is complete. But this semester, that doesnt have to be the case. Other spots both on and off campus provide good study atmospheres where students can avoid the Library madness.

Lettuce Lake Park
For students who prefer to study outdoors, this scenic park is a serene environment to absorb as much information as possible. With picnic tables ready to accept large textbooks, notebooks and lots of note cards, this park has
walking trails to get blood flowing during study breaks.

Parking costs $2 for the day, and there is also the option of having some much-deserved fun after finishing those finals with a kayak trip down the Hillsborough River.

Felicitous Coffee House
This quaint, low-key coffee house is a popular place for USF students to study. The atmosphere is polar opposite with the hustling and bustling Starbucks that students are used to turning to on campus. Felicitous offers both inside and outside seating, and has many unique coffee and tea options for students who crave a caffeine fix during exams week, at lower prices than many coffee shops. Students who find themselves stuck there into the evening have the chance to see local musicians weekly open mic nights.

Blue Lizard Hookah Lounge
With many hookah-smokers around campus, Blue Lizard Hookah Lounge may provide a familiar environment to students. This is not the typical hookah lounge, however, with its free WiFi and available printer in case students forgot to print those term papers. A variety of soft drinks from around the world including kava intended to help calm nerves allows students to focus, quench their thirst and prepare for those final exams in a relaxing atmosphere.

If youd rather camp out on campus but not at the Library, there are spots around USF to study in a peaceful atmosphere.

The Big Oak Tree
Walking from MSC to the Fine Arts Building, one will find a large, drooping oak tree. Benches under the tree provide the perfect place to relax in the shade and study.

Collins Park
USF didnt spend all summer building the urban park behind the Library for students not to enjoy. This close location to the Library makes Starbucks and printers only a quick walk away, while providing some fresh air, shade and even swings to an afternoon study group.

Marshall Student Center
The Marshall Student Center (MSC) turns into the Marshall Study Center from Dec. 5-13, offering students free food the first opportunity is breakfast on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 11:45 p.m. as well as study rooms, group exercise sessions and free massages. Hours are extended until 3 a.m. What better way to start an all-nighter?

Castor Beach
Bring your beach towel, some tunes and sunglasses and study outside Castor Beach. It can be a soothing place to relax, with the hum of the fountain keeping you calm. Just dont bring food, unless you want to attract ducks to your study session.

Camilles Sidewalk Cafe
If a cafe is the best study spot, try lugging your textbooks to Camilles at USF Healths Morsani Center. For a pre-med student, perhaps lunchtime chatter among medical employees and students can serve as inspiration to ace that genetics exam.

Botanical Gardens
Sit among lush native and exotic plants in USFs Botanical Gardens, a peaceful place to study and relieve stress. For just $1, which goes to run the gardens, youll find yourself in a maze of plants and nature. Though the greenery will prove to be eye-catching, try not to get too distracted from studying.