Where to study

Students have plenty of great spaces to choose from for independent studying and collaboration. Although these spaces have been accessible previously, some may be lesser known to even current students, so here’s a brief overview of where they’re located:

  1. Peet’s Coffee
    This semester, Peet’s Coffee has been relocated to the former Spoelhof Café, located in the Spoelhof Center building between DeVries Hall and Hiemenga Hall. This is a great spot for students to gather for productivity—and enjoy a refreshment or two! There’s also additional seating in the Spoelhof Atrium, just a few steps away from the café.

  2. Atrium in DeVries Hall
    Upon entering DeVries Hall, there is a greenhouse study space full of plants and natural light. Tables are available for students completing both group or independent tasks.

  3. Library lobby
    Right outside the remaining entrance to the library, accessible through Hiemenga Hall, the library lobby is a study space with booth and bar-style seating, hanging egg chairs, sofas, and a fireplace. Sound cozy during the fall and wintertime? We think so too!

  4. Fourth and fifth floor of the library
    During construction, Hekman library operations have moved to the fourth & fifth floors of the library. Despite the relocation, library staff members are very excited to welcome students into this new, temporary space!

    The fourth floor is being used as the silent floor for students who need total peace and quiet; the fifth floor (while still quiet) will have solo study cubbies and tables for group collaboration available for use.

  5. Johnny’s and the Cave
    Johnny’s will continue to be a popular campus hangout spot, with plenty of booths and tables accessible for students. The Cave also has couch and bar seating available.

  6. Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex
    Ever think about visiting the Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex to study? If you haven’t, you’re missing out. There are three different options for students looking for study or group collaboration spaces in the fieldhouse:

    1. Tables, chairs, and soft seating are all accessible on the main floor, looking out over the climbing wall.

    2. Seating options in two fireplace nooks, one on the lower level and one closer to the pool are also open.

    3. And lastly, the upper lobby location of Hoogenboom gym also has a study space available for students.

    Be reminded that the fieldhouse will likely be quietest from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. before these spaces become a hub for student athletes.

  7. Business building
    The new School of Business and DeVos Communication Center—across the East Beltline—is not just for business and communication students to enjoy! The whole main floor when you enter is full of tables and booth-style seating for groups or solo studiers. Study rooms are also available upon request.

  8. Covenant Fine Arts Center
    In the CFAC, the east and west lobbies, located at each main entrance of the building have lots of natural light and plentiful seating options available for students. Beyond those locations, there is also lounge seating on the east side of the upper floor between the English and music departments.

  9. Reservable dorm basement study rooms
    Looking for somewhere to study that’s close to your dorm room? Student Life and the library have partnered this year to provide reservable, private study rooms in 12 different dorm locations across campus. Students can access rooms on demand if they’re available, reserve via a QR code outside the door, or visit the Library’s website at library.calvin.edu to reserve a room from anywhere on or off campus.

  10. Hiemenga Hall study nooks
    Last but not least, as you walk down the Ajakaiye Corridor in Hiemenga Hall, two study nooks on both the west and east ends have plentiful seating options available for students. As hallways quiet down during class time, they are great spots for between-class productivity.

We hope you enjoy finding these (and other) hidden gems for studying on campus this semester. Thank you for your flexibility and collaboration as campus renovations continue.

If you have questions about this or other construction-related updates, our inbox at BuildUp@calvin.edu is open for business, so don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to hearing from you!