The first signs of fall arriving at Grand Valley State University are not only the changing leaves, but also the steady migration of students seeking the perfect place to study.
As a university designed with both collaboration and independence in mind, study spaces have become part of its culture. There are not simply desks and lounge chairs, but areas that can provide moments of reflection, connection with peers or scenic views. Some are well known, such as the atrium in the Mary Idema Pew Library, while others are tucked away in hidden corners.
Across campus, these study spaces shape the daily lives of both students and faculty alike. From cushioned window seats in the library to the retro, sunken lounge inside Seidman House, the following are some of the most distinct study spots GVSU has to offer.
Few students know the library better than its staff. Cayla Dwyer, who graduated from the University in 2018 and now serves as the research, instruction and outreach liaison librarian, remembers exactly where they preferred to study as a student.
“My favorite place to (do) work has always been the long, cushioned sections at the ends of the shelves near the windows on the fourth floor of the library,” Dwyer said. “I always found it to be quiet and comfortable with plenty of natural light and a decent view, which was the ideal place for me to study. It’s also a very convenient place to take a quick nap on campus in between classes or study sessions.”
The mix of privacy and openness is what sets the fourth floor of the library apart. Unlike group spaces or computer stations, these comfortable benches offer a spot to curl up with a laptop or notebook while soaking in natural daylight. This can be especially helpful for students during Michigan’s long winter months.
For those who prefer to work in the open rather than in solitude, the library’s atrium offers a brighter, more collaborative feel. Jennifer Torreano, director of the Knowledge Market and a double alumna of GVSU, said her go-to spot is a row of tables next to a massive glass wall.
“My favorite study place is the atrium living room in the Mary Idema Pew Library,” Torreano said. “The view and the natural light can’t be beat, and help with research, writing, presentations and digital projects is just up the stairs in the Knowledge Market.”
The Knowledge Market, located on the second floor of the library, pairs trained student consultants with peers who need assistance with writing, research, presentations or data analysis. For many, this makes the atrium an ideal balance of independence and support. The tall ceilings, campus views and constant flow of students also give the space a sense of community.
However, not all of the best study spots are found in the busiest buildings. On the quieter side of campus, Seidman House offers a retro-inspired lounge that feels far removed from the bustle of student traffic. It combines the quiet charm of an academic archive with cozy seating and an intimate setting. Students who wander in often find themselves staying longer than expected, surrounded by both history and nature. Andrea Van Dyke, the University’s visiting rare books librarian, highly recommends the space.
“We have idyllic views of the ravine, (often with) animal sightings, a 70s-style conversation pit and exhibits about the Lemmen Library’s archives and rare books,” Van Dyke said. “If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path study space with chill vibes, the study lounge in Seidman House is the place to be.”
Alternatively, the Reading Garden, located in the center of the Mary Idema Pew Library’s third floor, is a study spot that blurs the line between indoors and outdoors. Surrounded on all sides by rows of book stacks, the garden opens toward the sky, allowing fresh air and the sounds of nature to filter through the heart of the building. There are also clusters of potted plants that accompany the tables. It is a study space where students can experience the refreshing outdoors while staying within the library.
While the library and Seidman House offer many places to study, students can find ideal spots almost anywhere. The outdoor seating near Zumberge Pond is especially popular during the fall and spring, when students can read beside the water while taking in the sunshine.
During exam weeks, the library extends its hours and is filled in nearly every corner with students, reinforcing the importance of personal study rituals. Some students prefer silent study rooms, where sound is kept to a minimum, while others choose meeting spaces for group projects that can be reserved in advance.
Whatever a student’s individual needs may be, the variety of spaces at GVSU ensures that anyone can find a suitable place that aligns with their study habits and busy schedules.
