---
title: "Discover a Nook, Hit the Books"
date: 2018-09-13T09:00:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/discover-nook-hit-books-42f260fd-ddef-49db-981e-07362f3c9b14"
section: Articles
---
# Discover a Nook, Hit the Books

*September 13, 2018* — by [Carly Taylor ’19](/author/carly-taylor-19)


> New Website IDs Quiet Areas for Study, Reflection, Relaxation

*ESJLTC 11302017 9994 fixed min — Photos by John T. Consoli*

McKeldin Library might not be the right place to pound out a five-page research paper. Your friends, who have staked out territory at a first-floor table, could just be chatting. Or maybe you can’t find an empty study room.

Finding a quiet place to buckle down on work, or to reflect and think got a little tougher this fall, after the university welcomed an unexpected influx of first-year students. This required dozens of residence-hall lounges to be converted to rooms. Plus, more students means more competition for superior study spots.

This fall, the Office of Undergraduate Studies and the Department of Resident Life collaborated to create an online directory of quiet spaces. This guide provides a list of indoor and outdoor spaces on campus, such as hidden gardens and lesser-known libraries.

“It’s a large campus and if you’re not familiar with it, it can seem pretty overwhelming,” said Cindy Stevens, associate dean of undergraduate studies.

While the guide aims to be a helpful tool for freshmen and others new to campus, everyone can benefit from it, she said.

Students, faculty and staff are welcome to suggest other locations, which may be added to the guide. Here are just a few of the spots already in it:

- **Moxley Gardens at Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center** — A fountain, plants and benches near Maryland Stadium make this a scenic place.
*Moxley Garden CK0 U5020 min*
- **Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center** — The St. John Center, opened just last year, hallways and open space filled with tables and chairs. If you’re looking for a more private space, students can reserve “huddle rooms” for group study.
*ESJLTC 11302017 9994 fixed min 0*
- **Tawes Plaza Garden** — In front of Tawes Hall, a spacious garden with plenty of seating is available. This space carries a bonus on Wednesdays, when students can find fresh produce and other goods at the Farmers Market just steps away.
*Tawes Courtyard 04202016 1315 min*
- **Memorial Chapel Garden** — Created as a meditation space where Terps can escape the stressors of everyday life, this garden next to the chapel can be an area for students to reflect or get work done. They can also detour to the labyrinth next door for a quiet walk.
*Memorial Chapel Sept11 Remembrance 09112015 9225 min*
- **Stamp Student Union** — The Adele H. Stamp Student Union is a hub for student activity, making it a welcoming place for students. It’s home to the Student Involvement Suite and lots of lounges, where students can make themselves comfortable for down time or studying.
*Students Stamp 06182015 0037 min*

**Topics:** [Campus & Community](https://today.umd.edu/tags/campus-community)



**Units:** [Department of Resident Life](https://today.umd.edu/topic/department-resident-life), [University Libraries](https://today.umd.edu/topic/university-libraries)