Picture this—you’re drowning in work, stressed out of your mind, and have been sitting in a cubicle on the second floor of Lamont for the past four hours. It’s finals season, and that’s what finals season calls for… right? Wrong. You have options, I promise.
As the weather gets warmer and April showers become a distant memory (well, from just a few days ago), it feels crucial—for my well-being and personal enjoyment—to spend as much time outside as possible. Sadly, the warmer weather just happens to coincide with finals (tragic), which only means one thing: studying outside!
To keep you all from moving into Lamont during reading period and finals, I’ve decided not to gatekeep and to share some of my secrets. Here are my top four outdoor study spots across campus:
Barker Courtyard:
I know what you’re going to say: Where is Barker Courtyard? Or maybe you’re wondering why I’m recommending a spot that doesn’t even have tables. Regardless, Barker Courtyard is a hidden gem; I discovered it during my freshman spring after finally taking a class in the Barker Center. Amble past Lamont (it’s not worth it, I promise) and cross the street to the beautiful brick Barker Center. Enter through the tiny gate on the side or through the Barker Center basement. Or hop the fence, if that’s your style. Its lovely pink trees, blooming flowers, and secret-garden feel, all together, earn it a spot on the list. Sit on a bench, study with your laptop in your lap, and enjoy the weather in this beautiful, veiled spot. Just make sure you take your Claritin before settling in—you’ll need it.
Smith 2nd Floor Balcony:
The most charming part about the Smith Campus Center is that parts of it randomly close according to the position of the planets. Despite their inconvenient use of locked doors, the central location and abundance of coffee shops make it a perfect study spot. That red plastic and glass just screams productivity. When the 2nd-floor balcony is open, it’s a lovely spot to get some work done with a treat from one of the 200 restaurants just steps away. My favorite part of this spot is the fake (or are they real?) plants that surround you, making you feel like you’re not in a campus center in the center of Harvard Square but rather an actual forest.
Biolabs Beach
Pack some towels, sunscreen, and maybe your swim goggles, because we’re going to the beach! Well—not a real beach because Harvard doesn’t own one (yet). The beach volleyball court set up on the Biolabs lawn, home of the Rhino League, is a secluded spot away from the crowds of the Science Center, tucked away next to the Divinity School (isn’t it a little ironic that there is an Evolutionary Biology department on Divinity Ave? Just me?). This sandy spot is surrounded by lots of grass and tall, dark brick buildings that feel like they’re hugging you. Spread out your towel, throw on some sunglasses, and lounge in the company of two large rhino statues while you work. Close your eyes, and you’re basically in Cape Cod. If you end up falling asleep in the warm sand and get absolutely no studying done, don’t blame me. Blame Darwin.
GSD Lawn:
In true Graduate School of Design fashion, this spot features funky, brightly colored chairs that look like they were 3D-printed, plus a great patch of grass with criss-crossing stone paths to set you up for success. During study breaks, you can gaze upon the beautiful mass of concrete that is the Graduate School of Design (a bit ironic, in my opinion—but to each their own) or turn your gaze towards the glassy CGIS building in your peripheral vision. This is a great spot to settle in and get those creative juices flowing. Maybe not the best place to take a practice final, cry over the score, and calculate the minimum you need to get on the final to pass the class. Trust me, the vibes are better kept light.
I hope you get a chance to try one or all four of these spots. Remember that studying can be enjoyable if you set yourself up for success with the right setup. Wherever you end up, just remember sun, snacks, and a charger: the holy trinity of outdoor studying.
Sachi Laumas ’26 (slaumas@college.harvard.edu) is the Associate Arts Editor for the Independent.