Favorite Study Spots On and Off Campus
Written by: Liana Seaborn, Pre-Health Peer Advisor
Discovering the ideal study spot can transform your experience, helping you stay focused and cozy. Whether you’re searching for a peaceful nook to immerse yourself in your textbooks or a charming café where you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee while tackling your assignments, MSU and the East Lansing area present some fantastic options. In this blog, I’m excited to share a few of my personal favorites, both on-campus and off-campus, where you can enjoy productivity and comfort—some even come with delicious snacks and beautiful views!
On Campus:
Multicultural Center
The MSU Multicultural Center is a fantastic new addition to our campus study spots, opening its doors in January 2025! Spanning 34,000 square feet over two floors, it features a delightful community kitchen, cozy private study rooms, a versatile multipurpose room, and numerous comfy seating areas to relax in. Personally, I love studying here because it usually has a peaceful vibe during the day, and the super cozy furniture-especially on the second floor-makes it feel like home. Plus, there's plenty of room for group study sessions and lots of charging stations for your devices, making it super convenient!
Institute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering (IQ)
The Institute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering is nestled in the southeastern-most part of the campus, right next to the Nursing building and the Clinical Center. It's not just a vibrant hub for Biomedical Engineering and research, but it also offers wonderful spaces to study. Spanning an impressive 130,000 square feet over four main floors, you'll find plenty of cozy seating areas that invite relaxation. With its abundance of large windows, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area and bask in natural light. Plus, the building maintains a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for focusing on your work.
Bott Building for Nursing Education & Research/Life Science Building
The Bott Building, also known as the Life Science Building, is home to the College of Nursing and supports numerous science classes for undergraduate programs at MSU, alongside the College of Human Medicine. It's a vibrant hub for Nursing research, spanning three floors and covering an impressive 50,000 square feet. Nestled right next to the IQ building, it offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, complete with a spacious open area filled with comfortable seating and tables perfect for studying. Large windows brighten up the space with natural light, and when the weather is lovely, you can enjoy outdoor seating, too!
Edward J. Minskoff Pavilion
The Edward J. Minskoff Pavilion is a vibrant hub for the Eli Broad College of Business, right in the heart of campus. Spanning three stories and an impressive 100,000 square feet, this modern building boasts a stunning central atrium filled with plenty of seating options, including cozy tables and chairs, as well as inviting terrace seating along the atrium’s staircase. This atrium is not just for lounging; it also serves as a dynamic space for hosting various events! When the weather is nice, you can enjoy the outdoor seating and lovely garden courtyard just outside the atrium. With massive windows, the Pavilion is flooded with natural light and offers fantastic views of the campus. Beyond the atrium, you'll find even more comfortable seating areas, including plush couches and numerous private study rooms available for reservation. To top it off, there's a Panera right in the atrium, making it super convenient to grab a meal or snack while you hit the books. Plus, you can even use your combos there too!
Off-Campus:
Haraz Coffee House
Haraz Coffee House is a charming Yemeni coffee spot right at the corner of Grand River and Division Street. You'll find a cozy ambiance here, thanks to its soft lighting and lovely décor. It has quickly become a favorite place for studying, as well as a wonderful spot to catch up with a friend over a cup of coffee! If you decide to visit, I highly recommend trying the Harazi Mufawar (especially if you're a fan of cardamom), the refreshing Iced Hibiscus, and the delicious Biscoff Cheesecake!
Moka & Co (Grand River or Chandler Rd)
Moka & Co is a lovely Yemeni coffee house with two charming locations I'd love to share with you: one at the corner of Grand River and Bailey Street and another on Chandler Road near the Chandler Crossing apartments. The Grand River spot is spacious and filled with vibrant lights and stunning mural artwork that brings the place to life, and it can get quite lively at times! You'll find the staff here to be exceptionally warm and welcoming, plus the drinks and food are absolutely delightful. There's plenty of seating, whether you prefer a small, cozy table or a larger setup for a gathering. If you're in the mood for something quieter, the Chandler Road location offers a serene escape; it's less busy but still maintains that friendly vibe and beautiful atmosphere. If you decide to stop by, don't miss out on the Vimto Refresher, Mufawar Coffee, Mango Refresher, the delectable Date Cakes, the Almond Croissant, and the Meat Pies!
(Chandler Rd location)
Gong Cha (Grand River or Lake Lansing Rd)
Gong Cha is a delightful boba and milk tea spot with two cozy locations nearby: one at the corner of Grand River and Collingwood Drive and the other on Lake Lansing Rd. The cafés are charmingly calm and quiet, creating the perfect atmosphere for productive study sessions. One of the most exciting things about this place is its amazing menu! You can explore various beverages, including milk tea, iced tea, refreshers, smoothies, coffee, slushes, and more. Plus, there's a wonderful selection of baked goods to satisfy your cravings! If you decide to visit, I wholeheartedly recommend trying the Lychee Refresher, Thai Tea, Lime Refresher, and their delicious Bubble Waffle!
(Lake Lansing location)
No matter how you love to study—whether you enjoy the calm of a quiet place, the lively atmosphere of a coffee shop, or the energy of collaborative spaces—there’s a perfect spot just waiting for you to discover! I truly hope this guide helps you find a new favorite spot or encourages you to check out a part of campus (or town) you haven’t explored yet. Wishing you all the best in your studies!
