College is an exciting time of life. It is a season to find yourself and make your way in the world. While there are many fun things to do in college, academics should be your priority. Your college years are unique; you have ample time to dedicate to growing your knowledge and skills, which will benefit you for the rest of your life. 

There are many fields of study at BYU-Idaho. You can find what you are passionate about with a wide choice of majors, minors, and certifications. However, you must be prepared to work hard and apply yourself to ensure you get the most out of your college education. 

The BYU Idaho campus is full of many beautiful and unique places where you can dedicate yourself to your studies. Sometimes, having a change of scenery is nice, so knowing about various study spots can help you mix it up if you get into a lull. 

Ricks Gardens

One of the less utilized spots on the campus is the Ricks Gardens. If you enjoy being outdoors, this is a great place to study. This well-maintained garden has many places perfect for settling in and getting some good studying done. 

Rain or shine, this is an excellent place to post up because of the various covered areas provided. With walking paths and seating options, this can be a great spot to clear your head and get fresh air between study sessions. 

Some of the highlights of the Ricks Gardens include: 

  • Patio swings at Patty’s Porch
  • Brick pizza ovens
  • Shaded, grassy areas
  • Picnic tables next to water features, such as small waterfalls
  • Gazebos for covered seating
  • Walking paths
  • Community gardens
  • An apple orchard (free apples available between September and October)
  • Picturesque statues

Hyrum Manwearing Student Center

The BYU-Idaho campus is filled with well-kept buildings that are great places to study. At the heart of the campus is the Hyrum Manwearing Student Center, also known as the Student Center. Having been recently renovated, this is a lovely space to utilize. 

This building includes many amenities for fun and leisure, such as bowling alleys, roller skating activities, a food court, and more. However, there are also many spots perfect for having quality study time. At the Crossroads, the central area inside the building, there are plenty of tables and places to sit. Many people go there to socialize, eat food, and study. 

It is always lively, so this is a good place to try if you thrive in social environments. During busy times, the campus hosts small events and activities put on by students and groups to provide entertainment or advertise different student resources. These include live recordings of podcasts about student life, mental health presentations, fitness challenges, and so much more. These activities can be a great way to take a quick break from your studies. 

In addition to ample study space, the student center includes the university store, which has all the supplies that students may need. 

David O. Mckay Library

The campus library is probably the most important study spot to be aware of. Connected directly to the Manwearing Center by a sky bridge, the David O. Mckay Library is an easily accessible asset. 

There are many different areas to be aware of:

Tutoring center

One of the campus's most significant academic assistance resources is the tutoring center, located on the second floor of the library. Here, students can attend group study sessions with the help of other, more experienced students. Tutoring sessions are free of charge and available for all students to sign up through the BYU-Idaho portal. 

There are also math and writing labs where students can go to work on assignments and get assistance with problems if needed. This option is great for those who wish to understand course material better. 

Quiet floors 

The library's second floor is a dedicated quiet zone, meaning it is a consistently quiet space where you can easily focus on your studies, free of distractions.

Computer stations

Multiple areas within the library have desktop computers available for use with your BYU-Idaho login. 

Study rooms

Look for study rooms throughout the library. You can reserve these rooms for uninterrupted study on the BYU-Idaho website or in person. 

American Avenue Study Spots

If you are looking for a place close to home to study, the amenities at American Avenue are a great place to start. Being right across the street from campus makes for quick travel to classes or other on-campus locations.

Our study rooms and lounge areas provide great places for students to focus on their coursework.

There are also advantages to studying in your apartment, as you are in a comfortable environment and have access to personal supplies.

Off-Campus Sites 

While there are many ideal places to study on campus, other options around Rexburg may better suit your needs. 

Local parks offer places to sit in the sun while you study. Students often take blankets to sit on the grass while they work or even bring hammocks to hang between the trees. Because of its proximity to campus, Porter Park is a popular spot for students attending BYU-Idaho. 

Don’t be afraid to explore and find what works for you. If none of the above options meet your needs, you could try going to local cafes or coffee shops. A business with free Wi-Fi and seating, such as June’s Place or the Paragon Cafe, might be a better fit. 

Tips for More Effective Study

Location is a significant factor in quality studies, but as you sharpen your learning skills, you can become efficient in your efforts. 

  • Stay organized: Creating schedules and avoiding procrastination can help you maximize your time.
  • Practice memorization techniques: Try lots of different methods, such as flashcards or retrieval techniques, to find what works best for you.
  • Take breaks: Give your brain breaks to stay awake and alert as you study. 
  • Study in groups: Group study sessions can help with motivation, perspective, and problem-solving skills. 

Choose American Avenue for BYU-Idaho Housing

There are many options for study spots on and around the BYU-Idaho campus. Finding what works for you is essential to getting the most out of your education.

Contact American Avenue today to discuss how quality student housing can impact your educational experience.