Best Summer Study Spots on BU’s Campus (2024)

While there’s definitely less hustle and bustle on Comm Ave during the summer, it doesn’t mean studying and socializing are put on pause. Thousands of students stay on campus to take one of the more than 700 courses offered during BU’s Summer Sessions. With the first session wrapping up this week, it’s the best time to explore new–and revisit old–study spots.

Our guide will help you discover the best locations around BU to focus on your studies while enjoying summer’s ambiance. From outdoor spots to on-campus cafés, there are plenty of places to set up your study materials and get to work. And for those particularly hot days, we also point you toward the coolest spots, with air-conditioning to keep you comfortable.

George Sherman Union775 Commonwealth Ave.

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Hours: Open Monday to Friday, 11 am to 2 pm.

Always one of the more popular areas, the spacious George Sherman Union is lively during the summer. Visit the second-floor Ziskind Lounge to chill out in an air-conditioned communal space, and fuel your studying with the variety of options in the food court. Just a heads up—the GSU has reduced hours during the summer months.

COM Lawn640 Commonwealth Ave.

Hours: Open daily

Let the sounds of nature and trickling fountain water be your background music at the COM Lawn. It’s a convenient place to stop by for anyone wanting to soak up the sun while getting work done. This outdoor space features colorful Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, and benches, and is convenient to several food spots, including Basho Express, Warren Towers Starbucks, and Subway, for a quick bite.

Mugar Memorial Library771 Commonwealth Ave.

Hours: Open Monday to Thursday, 7 am to 11 pm; Friday, 7 am to 5 pm; Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, 10 am to 11 pm.

With seven floors and the largest computer lounge on campus, Mugar offers various study environments for different needs. The ground floor is perfect for group study sessions, while the upper floors, which get progressively quieter, are ideal for focused, individual study. For other open BU libraries, check here.

Questrom School of Business595 Commonwealth Ave.

Hours: Open Monday to Thursday, 7 am to 11 pm; Friday, 7 am to 6 pm.

Questrom’s air-conditioned lobby is a great spot for group work or individual study. You can also grab a quick bite at the second floor Starbucks, offering hearty sandwiches, salads, and pastries baked daily, including healthy Sargent Choice items.

BU Beach270 Bay State Road

Hours: Open daily

The BU Beach is one of the largest green spaces on campus for students to relax and enjoy a view of the Charles River. Listen to the cars passing on Storrow Drive—if you close your eyes, it feels like you’re hearing waves crashing on a beach. The BU Beach also got a recent upgrade, with outdoor gym equipment, so students can now stay active while enjoying the scenic environment.

Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground808 Commonwealth Ave.

Hours: Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

Background music plays from overhead speakers at the Howard Thurman Center, giving a nice ambiance to accompany your studying. It also has a great social vibe, with students milling about. If you need a break, ask if one of them wants to play one of the center’s board games, which include Scrabble, Uno, and Connect Four.

Center for Computing & Data Sciences665 Commonwealth Ave.

Hours: Open Monday to Friday, 7 am to 10 pm; weekends and holidays, 8 am to 10 pm.

The CDS building is air-conditioned and offers numerous cozy nooks for studying. The bottom two floors are perfect for casual solo or group work, the upper floors feature quiet study corners equipped with whiteboards. A valid BU ID is required for access from 7 to 10 pm weekdays, and from 5 to 10 pm weekends. Note: Saxby’s, the student-run cafe, is closed during summer intersession.

Amory Park45 Amory St., Brookline

Hours: Open 6 am to 11:30 pm daily

Nestled in the suburbs of Brookline is Amory Park. With plenty of benches and picnic tables, this park is a great spot for spreading out your study materials or relaxing with a good book. Other features: tennis courts, a baseball field, and lots of grassy areas to toss a frisbee or lounge around.

Pavement Coffeehouse736 Commonwealth Ave.

Hours: Open weekdays, 7 am to 5 pm; weekends, 7 am to 4 pm.

Pavement Coffeehouse is a welcoming spot for both studying and socializing, with plenty of comfortable seating options and open tables. It offers ample natural light and a menu of coffee and snacks. Pavement has you covered, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a productive study session.

Caffè Nero1047 Commonwealth Ave.

Hours: Open weekdays, 6:30 am to 7 pm; weekends, 7 am to 7 pm.

If you’re closer to West Campus and Allston, Caffè Nero is another air-conditioned café option. You can enjoy the bustling atmosphere and choose from an extensive menu to keep you energized while studying. Inside has tables and cushy armchairs, and there are also several outdoor seating options.

Charles River EsplanadeStorrow Drive

Hours: Open daily

Take a stroll to the scenic Charles River Esplanade, a riverfront park stretching for three miles between the Museum of Science and the BU Bridge. While it’s a popular path for runners and bicyclists, the Esplanade also features plenty of benches scattered throughout its green spaces.

Buick Street Market and Café10 Buick St.

Hours: Open weekdays, 7 am to midnight; weekends, 8 am to midnight.

This is an ideal spot at the Student Village for those who enjoy the variety of indoor and outdoor seating options. Select from the market’s wide array of snacks and sandwiches, or indulge in the menu options at Dunkin’, found at the entrance of the market.