When the whirlwind of social activity that characterizes New Student Orientation quickly fades into the reality of schoolwork, make a beeline to the following locations to pursue academics.
Van Pelt Library: Penn's main library, located in the heart of campus at 3420 Walnut St., is equipped with wireless Internet access, video and audio studios, Mac and PC centers, study carrels and, of course, the stacks, to name a few of the building's bells and whistles. Boasting 5.2 million titles, and even more available through inter-library loans, Van Pelt Library is open from 8:30 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday (with varying weekend hours). The ground floor Undergraduate Study Center closes its doors at 2 a.m.
Fisher Fine Arts Library: A traditional study spot known for being quieter than other on-campus locations, the 220 S. 34th St. fine arts library provides pleasing architectural aesthetics to complement late-night study sessions. You may recognize the building from the Tom Hanks film Philadelphia.
Houston Hall: A spacious place to study in a group or alone, this campus hub in Perelman Quadrangle contains both tables and couches for studying, as well as venues selling crepes, smoothies and cafeteria-style food to help students stay energized. Due to its many functions, the space tends be quite noisy.
Starbucks: Go to the corner of 34th and Walnut streets to grab a venti caramel macchiato and bury your nose in a book in the lounge area upstairs, if you can concentrate amid the noisy environment. The coffee shop picks up campus wireless coverage.
Silfen Student Study Center: The study center is a quiet place to catch up on reading during that hour or so between classes, and is located on the ground floor of Williams Hall. A nearby cafe provides coffee and snacks. The study spot is also accessible in the evenings from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. with a swipe of your PennCard at the entrance.
Biomedical Library: Friends and acquaintances interrupting your study time? Head to the Biomedical Library behind the Quadrangle for some solitary time with your books. Be advised that the library closes at 6 p.m.
Moravian Cafes courtyard: Make your way to Moravian Cafes at the corner of 34th and Walnut streets for some inexpensive chain-restaurant food, and tote your books out back to the outdoor seating area.
With so many options on campus, it's easy to find your own study haven with the right noise level and amenities.
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