Spaces to Know: 10 Places to Study on Campus

study spaces on new bund campus
Apr 14 2023

On NYU Shanghai’s new 114,000-square-meter campus, there is no shortage of study space. Indoors, outdoors, even off-campus in the Qiantan neighborhood… There are plenty of places to hunker down and hit the books. Check out some favorites! 

1. On the Quad 

Spreading out on the grass in the quad by the big tree is a great place to get fresh air while reading or doing group work. Some classes even meet outside in nice weather. It’s often sunny in the morning and shady in the afternoon.

Students studying outside on the grass

 

2. Reading Hall (3rd Floor North/West corner)

The bright Reading Hall is a popular choice for students looking for a comfortable and cozy environment. The floor to ceiling windows allow for ample light. Choose desks and chairs for individual study or relax on the couches for a more comfortable study experience. An open staircase leads up the stairs to the library entrance on the fifth floor. 

a collage of students sitting in the brightly lit reading hall

3. Library (5th and 6th Floor North Hall)

There are many spaces to study in the two-floor library - some for quiet reading and others designed for group study. Learn more about the university’s library resources and spaces, which include 31,000 books, an XR space, and plenty of rooms to spread out and immerse yourself in learning. 

A student sitting at a table in the quiet section of the library.

 

4. Sky Bridge (3rd Floor West Hall)

The Sky Bridge is a popular place to study, with light coming in on both sides and room to spread out on the cushioned couches and chairs. Choose your perspective- you can look out onto the quad and be immersed in campus life or gaze out onto the surrounding Qiantan neighborhood.

Student sitting at a table on the sky bridge

5. Magnolia House (3rd/4th Floor East Hall)

Named for the flower that graces the NYU Shanghai logo and Shanghai’s city flower, the Magnolia House gets bright natural lighting all throughout the day and offers amazing views of the entire campus. Tall tables and chairs look out on the quad, while the couches are great for group study. Plenty of greenery creates a natural feel to the space. Vending machines are in operation and a cafe will open there soon.

a collage of student studying at the sunny Magnolia House

6. ARC (5th Floor West Hall)

When you need a little help, the Academic Resource Center is there to support your study needs. The space is specially designed for students to meet with a Global Writing & Speaking Fellow or Learning Assistant for one-on-one tutoring or participate in group study sessions.The ARC offers consultations, course-specific tutoring, academic skills coaching and workshops. Make an appointment for tutoring here or just drop in!

students group studying at the ARC

7. IMA Studio (306 North Hall)

If you like a creative vibe, the IMA Studio’s large, tall tables and bright colors make for a cool studying environment that will help spark your imagination. Plus there is often chill music playing in the background.

students working together in the IMA studio

8. Group Study Rooms (5th & 6th North Hall, 6th West Hall)

There are a total of 32 group study rooms available both inside and outside the library, some named after NYU’s multiple study away sites. You can reserve a space for up to two hours using the QR code booking system on the door of each room.

two students working on their laptops together

9. B1 Study Spaces

There is plenty of space in B1 for group or individual study, with individual desks or larger tables for friends to sit together. This is an ideal space if you prefer a bit of background noise. Since it’s close to the gym and ping pong tables, it's conveniently located for taking an active break to reset your brain.

an above shot of student studying in B1

 

 

10. Off Campus

If you like to be surrounded by people and need background noise to focus, heading off campus to a nearby cafe might be the best choice for you. Just minutes away by foot from campus, there are numerous cafes and restaurants to study, with both indoor and outdoor spaces. Some close by favorites include Luneurs, Manner, or ​​Tsutaya Books. Check out more options in the New Bund Campus Guide.

 
 

someone sitting at an outdoor cafe and reading a book

 

And when you need to take a break… 

Check out the Calm Corner (405 West Hall)

The calm corner is one of the only places on campus where studying is not allowed! Come take a break from your studies, color, meditate, complete a jigsaw puzzle, and relax. 

the calm corner