With midterm week kicking off, many students seek a change of scenery to prepare for their exams. Here are some of the campus’s best spots for studying this semester.
Doheny Memorial Library
Established in 1932, Doheny Memorial Library offers a vast area for events, relaxation and most notably studying. The library has five levels that comprise more than 50 desks and tables for group or individual study. One lesser-known space within the library lies on the first floor in the East Asian Library.
“You go in, you go all the way to the right, and there’s little individual cubbies that you go and sit down [at] and half of them have outlets, so I just try to get one,” said sophomore classics major Jessie Foster. “It’s really secluded…and also, most of Doheny is really hot and that’s one spot that has air conditioning.”
Doheny Memorial Library is located in the center of campus between McCarthy Quad and Verna & Peter Dauterive Hall (VPD).
Alumni Park
Dedicated in 1935 as “Alumni Memorial Campus,” Alumni Park offers one square block of sycamore and magnolia trees, shaded grass and park benches; the Youth Triumphant fountain in the middle of the lawn acts as a serene centerpiece that can ease the anxiety of studying for midterms.
“I actually really like reading here in Alumni Park,” said freshman business administration major Athena Galatis. “I find it very therapeutic because sometimes, the opera singers will be playing or there’s jazz music in the shade and just being outdoors makes me feel very nice, which kind of alleviates some of the pressure of doing homework.”
Alumni Park is located right in front of Doheny Memorial Library.
Fertitta Hall
Fertitta Hall provides 21 classrooms, 50 breakout rooms, a library and collaboration area and outdoor courtyard where students can work. The 104,000 square feet of space allows business majors and non-majors alike ample space to prepare for any projects or tests coming their way.
“My favorite study spot would probably be in Fertitta Hall,” said freshman business administration major Lauren Cabe. “I just like sitting on one of the couches and doing my work. I get a lot of work done there.”
Fertitta Hall is located on the corner of West Exposition Boulevard and Figueroa Street.
The Viterbi Engineering Quad
With numerous tables and lounge chairs, a beautifully designed fountain and a quiet atmosphere, Viterbi’s “E Quad” is a well-liked study space for all Trojans. The quad has tables able to fit up to four people, cushioned lounge chairs for relaxation and plastic long tables if no other options are available.
“My favorite outdoor study spot would have to be the e-quad in the Viterbi area. I feel like it’s relaxing enough where you don’t really see too many people,” said sophomore computer science major Taylor Hill-Milles. “So you can be focused, but also you can still be social and see friends sometimes.”
The Engineering Quad is located between Olin Hall and Vivian Hall next to Downey Way.
McCarthy Dining Hall
McCarthy Dining Hall is one of USC’s three dining halls and an unlikely but interesting study space. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor seating options with many tables and even booths to do work. The dining hall requires students to enter through the use of meal swipes, dining dollars or credit cards.
“I really like studying in the dining halls…especially McCarthy,” said freshman psychology major Fiona Collins. “If you just get a booth and you put in your ear pods and listen, you can eat while you study [and] drink coffee. I just think that’s the easiest way.”
McCarthy Dining Hall is located at the edge of the USC Village next to McClintock Avenue.
Use the interactive USC map to find each of these locations.