Originally Posted Dec. 3, 2021. Updated Nov. 12, 2026.
As the semester winds down, we know how hard it can be to find a quiet space where you can focus without interruptions. We’ve got you covered with the best on-campus study spaces at the Communication and Media Building, Dr. Phillips Academic Commons (DPAC), and UnionWest at Creative Village.
Study Spaces at a Glance
Short on time? Start here.
Quiet focus
CMB third-floor windows and the DPAC East Wing third-floor seating.
Group study
DPAC East Wing group study rooms, booth-style seating outside CMB 182, and UnionWest third-floor group study rooms.
Need a laptop or charger
The Tech Lending desk on the second floor of DPAC East.
Study with a view
DPAC West Wing third floor, UnionWest second and third floors, and the CMB third-floor windows.
Fresh air
Outdoor seating at CMB and DPAC.
Take a break
The Game Lounge on the second floor of UnionWest.
✅ Pro Tip: The higher the floor, the quieter the area.
Communication and Media Building
The Communication and Media Building is home to the Nicholson School of Communication and Media.
CMB features outdoor seating, perfect for cool days and catching some fresh air while studying. If you prefer to stay indoors, there’s a large open study area in the lobby of the building.
If group studying is more your style, check out the booth-style seating options outside of CMB 182.
Looking for somewhere even quieter? Head upstairs to the 3rd-floor windows in CMB, where you can look out over the courtyard and palm trees while studying.
Dr. Phillips Academic Commons
The Dr. Phillips Academic Commons has four stories and is filled with open seating areas and quiet group study rooms.
Starting off with the first floor, on both the East and West Wings of the building, you have a variety of seating options in the open areas, including outdoor seating on the plaza when you want some fresh air. But if you want a room all for yourself, the East Wing group study rooms allow you to take advantage of quiet space with TV monitors, whiteboards, and USB outlets to create a productive study session.
On the second floor of DPAC East, you’ll find couches and tables in an open area next to the Tech Lending desk. There are also private study rooms enclosed in glass.
Do you need a laptop to study? The Tech Lending desk is where you can borrow anything from a laptop, a calculator, or a charger. Visit their website for more information on items you can reserve.
On the second floor of the West Wing of DPAC, color and creativity unite in the Creativity Hallway, which features a neon light art installation throughout the hallway. Here you’ll find comfortable lounge chairs with portable outlets, to give your studying a fun yet focused space like no other.
Near the Creativity Hallway, there is an open study space featuring an inspiring mural and couches for you to make yourself comfortable.
Fun fact: If you go to the DPAC West Wing corner study area in the afternoon, you can see the sunset! Just another perk of studying on campus.
Inside DPAC, two bridges that connect the West and East Wings without having to step outside. The 3rd and 4th-floor bridges make for a beautiful spot to study because of all the colors from the murals and the natural sunlight from the windows.
If you want to sit in a tucked-away gem, the East Wing 3rd floor features soft block seating and USB plugs in the science classroom hallway. Just turn right when you come off the elevators.
Ready to unleash your potential on your finals? We have a study spot just for you! On the West Wing 3rd floor, you’ll find an open study area with a hand-painted mural by Harry Foreman ’18, that features both a view of downtown Orlando and beautiful colors all around the room.
UnionWest at Creative Village
Grab a quick bite to fuel your study session before heading upstairs to your study area.
At UnionWest, the first-floor tables and chairs are perfect for reviewing notes over a bite to eat. Unless you thrive on background noise, you’ll want to head up to the 2nd and 3rd floors, where open study spaces highlight downtown Orlando. It’s a great setting to get ready for finals.
The 2nd floor is also home to the campus’s Game Lounge, a good place to grab a snack or meet with a large group for collaboration. When you need a bigger reset, the RWC@Downtown fitness center is just around the corner. 
On the 3rd floor, past a few classrooms to the right, you’ll find soft block seating alongside the windows. The 3rd floor also has group study rooms, similar to the ones in DPAC, when your team needs a private space to work.
✅ Pro Tip: The higher the floor – the quieter the area!
Found your favorite spot? Tag @UCFDowntown and show us where you lock in.