April 29, 2024
Contact: Courtney Perrett, 573-882-6217, cperrett@missouri.edu
Photos by Abbie Lankitus and Sam O’Keefe
You're almost to the finish line, Tigers! Finals at the University of Missouri are May 6-10. Dial in for a closer look at a few classic study spots on campus.
Ellis Library: For the peace-and-quiet studier
The perfect study environment for those who need silence and solitude is Ellis Library. Nestled between the stacks are plenty of private workspaces where students can concentrate. Grab a beverage at the Bookmark Café and settle in for a late night at the library.
Ellis Library is open 24 hours per day April 29-May 10.
Bookmark Café hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
Memorial Union: For those who need a little green inspiration
If you enjoy the quiet ambiance of a classic old building, the second floor of Memorial Union is filled with greenery, outlets, lighting and a large variety of plush seating to make the most of your study time.
Plus, if you get hungry, Wheatstone Bistro and Starbucks are under the same roof.
Memorial Union hours:
April 29-May 2: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May 3-5: 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
May 6-10: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wheatstone hours are available here. Starbucks hours are available here.
The Quad: For people who study best in the fresh air and sunlight
Enjoy the warm springtime weather while reviewing your class notes on the Francis Quadrangle. Home to the historic Columns, the Quad provides the ideal outdoor environment to get well-acquainted with your study materials while enjoying the benefits of nature. Revel in the university’s history while you work on getting that degree.
Finals week hours: As long as it’s light outside.
Lafferre Hall: For the architecture-lover
Although Lafferre Hall is home to the College of Engineering, it has ample tables and chairs for students studying any topic. One of the oldest buildings on campus, Lafferre Hall has an ornate design complete with arched doorways and alternating strips of brick and white stone. It’s enough to inspire anyone to study.
There are also rooms available to book for group study.
Lafferre Hall hours:
April 29-May 3, May 6-9: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
May 10: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The RJI Grind: For a group work session
This quaint little coffee shop space located in the Reynolds Journalism Institute’s central foyer is the perfect place to connect with peers on a group project. Being surrounded by the atmosphere of the oldest journalism school in the nation will inspire you to produce your best work yet.
If you find yourself seeking a quieter space, all you have to do is walk over to the Journalism Library, where you’ll have your pick of plush chairs set up among some of the most compelling media from the past century.
The Grind is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Student Center: For the studier who needs it all
Right in the center of campus is the Student Center. With all the comfort offerings, including access to food, coffee and Mizzou Market, this space makes for the perfect study spot. Whether you need to hit the books with a little background noise in the common area on the first floor or you want to reserve a secluded study room, the Student Center remains a premium study venue.
Finals week hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. Weekend hours prior to finals week are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Student Center hours:
April 29-May 3: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
May 4-5: 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
May 6-9: 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
May 10: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Lowry Hall's first floor: For those who study with the big plans in mind
If you study best with a little extra support, the newly renovated first floor of Lowry Hall is home to a cozy suite surrounded by the offices of peer navigators, career development and advising professionals. A great spot for forward-thinking studiers who are making big plans beyond finals week, this space has everything one could need to settle in for a successful exam season.
Lowry Hall is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MizzouRec: For those who like to unwind with a workout before studying
A hidden gem of a study space, MizzouRec has all the makings of your favorite hotel lobby — with the added benefit of a full gym, Olympic swimming pool and more. However, one floor above the aquatic center is a study area decked out with cozy seating, dim lighting, outlets and a variety of greenery that creates the ideal study haven. It’s perfect for those who want to break up their study sessions with a workout.
MizzouRec’s hours are:
April 29-May 2: 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
May 3: 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May 4: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May 5: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
May 6-9: 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
May 10: 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Struggling to focus on your studies? Here are a few tips to help you succeed during finals:
Make use of on-campus resources.
Mizzou offers free tutoring and academic coaching from the Learning Center, writing guidance from the Writing Center and more. These resources are available to everyone either in person or virtually.
Figure out when you work best.
Do you work better in the morning or late at night? Perhaps after lunch? Try and organize your pre-finals schedule to allow openings for quality study time when you know you’ll be at your best.
Check in with your community.
Set aside time to meet with trusted friends, mentors and advisors who support your studies. This will equip you with good advice and support as you begin studying.
Take breaks.
Taking regular breaks can improve the quality of your studying. If you feel yourself slowing down or getting distracted, try taking a brief walk or doing a mindless task to reorient yourself.
Ask for help.
Although it can be uncomfortable to ask for help, it is a key factor in studying successfully. Seek out those areas where you need help proactively and make a plan to consult your professors, tutors or fellow classmates for support. Mizzou has mental health resources available to everyone, too.
