Best Study Spots for Maximum Focus

Sometimes, studying well isn’t just about sitting down with your notes and working on your assignments - it’s about finding a place that feels comfortable for you and helps you focus. "Where you study plays a big role in improving learning, staying focused, being more productive, and not getting tired too quickly." Whether you like white noise, candles, or colorful highlighters, a big part of how well your brain remembers things depends on the environment you’re in.

Don’t believe me? Try studying in your pajamas, lying in bed with the heater on full blast, and you’ll see that in just a few minutes, you’ll only have enough energy left to sleep or binge-watch a show. So… what places do I actually recommend for studying?

I know the library might sound like the obvious answer - but if that’s the first thing that comes to mind, there’s a reason for it. The University of Stuttgart has two libraries: one at the Vaihingen campus and another at the Mitte campus. The Vaihingen library is larger and ideal for group work, while the Mitte library offers quieter individual study spaces, perfect for focused sessions. Besides basics like clean bathrooms, power outlets, Wi-Fi, and heating, the respect for silence makes these places ideal if you want to feel surrounded by people but without distractions. They also have scanners in case you need an image from a book for an assignment.

The Library City Center is only partially open, but some tables inside the building are still available.The library in Vaihingen had water damage and was partially closed, but it is now mostly open again and you can study there. For example, the study rooms are open from Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm.

And here's some good news: there are new additional study places on both campuses

On the Vaihingen campus, these are 28 rooms in the Campus Guest (Universitätsstraße 32-34), on the Stadtmitte campus 11 rooms on the 1st and 2nd floor of the KII. The rooms are labelled with signs on the doors. The rooms are open from Monday to Sunday from 8am to midnight, as long as no other (teaching) events or exams are taking place in the rooms. Before entering the rooms, please check the QR code on the signs on the doors to see if the room is currently free. 

In the evenings and at weekends, when the normal entrances are closed, you can enter K II via the night entrance with your student ID. The door to the Campus Guest should be open, as this is where security is located.

But before I continue, have you ever wondered why it’s hard to focus at home? The answer has a lot to do with habits and the way your brain links certain places to certain activities. For example, if you try to study at the same table where you usually eat, you’ll probably start feeling hungry or thinking about grabbing a snack. The same thing happens with rooms where you relax - if you’re used to napping or watching movies in the living room, chances are that when you try to study there, your brain will naturally push you to chill out instead of focusing. Because of these habits, focusing in certain places can be tough since your brain unconsciously shifts your attention toward whatever you usually do there.

Now that you know how your surroundings can affect your study time, let me tell you about the Räume (study rooms) that the university offers for different faculties.

Inside the K2 building, the Architecture faculty has several study rooms where students can gather, work, and leave their projects — especially models or similar designs. The usable rooms are located from the 6th to the 11th floor. Likewise, the BWL faculty has a room on the 6th floor of the K1 building with tables, whiteboards, power outlets, and a lovely view. This room can be found at the end of the hallway to the right when exiting the elevator. Since these spots aren’t super well-known, you can often enjoy a quiet study session there. If none of these are your faculty, ask about your faculty's study room — chances are they have something similar.

Another common spot - although I have to admit, not one of my favorites - is cafés. Whether it’s a Starbucks or a local coffee shop, cafés are known for being decent study spots. Don’t get me wrong, the idea of having a coffee next to your laptop and notebook sounds nice. But since these are public spaces, a quiet environment isn’t always guaranteed. Plus, because they’re often social hubs or located in busy areas, you might find yourself checking your phone more often or spotting familiar faces outside. Even so, I won’t deny they can be comfortable spots with plenty of drinks and desserts - perfect for taking a break between pages. My personal recommendation is the Coffreez café, located near Rathaus next to Cinnamood. I like it because it doesn’t tend to be too crowded since it’s a small place. And definitely, due to its distance from the university, the Starbucks café at Königbau, located in Schlossplatz, is a great study option since it has two floors and is only a 5-minute walk from the Mitte Campus.

In short, the best study spot is the one that helps you get the most out of your study time. Always follow the rules of designated study areas, like keeping quiet, so these spaces can maintain their vibe and atmosphere. I hope you feel encouraged to try a new study spot outside your comfort zone. Remember, even small changes in your study environment can make a big difference in your focus and productivity. Stay curious, stay motivated, and you'll see positive results.

Jose