As AP exam season creeps up once again, the pressure is back on. Last year, I put together a list of some of the best study spots around Ann Arbor to escape the monotonous studying at your home desk. This year, I’m back with a part 2, but with a twist. Instead of the well-known, go-to locations, I’m going to be sharing with you some of the hidden gems and underrated study spots I have discovered over the year that you might want to check out.
Michigan Union – 2nd Floor
Everyone visits the Michigan Union, but not everyone takes advantage of the small study room located on the second floor. Far removed from the bustle of the first-floor activity, located just across from the Panera, is a small space with long desks and many chairs. This location is a very productive place to be if you need to absolutely lock in. It’s super quiet from the bustling halls of the Union, and has a couple of food options right outside if you feel hungry mid-studying, which is one of the reasons why it’s a perfect spot to study for long periods of time.
Bunchai
If you’re one of those people who doesn’t like the hassle of packing their backpack only to go out for food during study time, Bunchai might just be your new best friend. This café has its expansive seating space at the lower level of the restaurant, offering a study area separate from the crowd of customers upstairs ordering their mango matcha or chai latte. This could prove quite convenient for those long hours of solving questions or studying notes.
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
Located on Plymouth Rd., this café has already become a reliable study spot for many high school students. While it is bustling, Sweetwaters is perfect when you want that coffee shop atmosphere of constant noise and just enough stimulation to reach flow state for those practice problems. It offers a wide range of seating (whether you’re studying by yourself or with a group!) and is also a perfect environment for light work such as note-taking and essay planning.
University of Michigan (U-M) Law Library
In terms of studying places, you should definitely check out the U-M’s Law Library for a full concentration study session. Apart from its ambiance that is extremely conducive to studying, this room is one of the most elegant spaces on the U-M campus. With an old-world feel and a well-lit interior, the room looks as beautiful as it is studious. This is the kind of place you will find yourself automatically focused the moment you sit down. If you’re preparing for memorization-heavy exams or need to lock in for a long session, this environment makes it a lot easier to take your studying seriously.
RoosRoast Coffee
If you’re looking for a more laid-back and intimate environment, RoosRoast Coffee provides an alternative to more crowded and hectic cafés. With the weather becoming nicer and the amount of sunny days we’ve had, the café’s outdoor seating is a welcome break from the indoor environment, which you need when you want to refresh your mind while staying productive. It’s a great spot for reading, writing, or reviewing notes without the pressure of a more intense study environment.
Finding the right study environment can make a huge difference in your productivity and motivation to prepare for your AP exams. While these are a couple of options, there are certainly many more hidden corners or cozy cafés that Ann Arbor can offer. Try out a few new spots, find what works best for you, and make the most of these final weeks of preparation. Good luck! You’ve got this.
