In the previous post, I found myself getting some work done in the Willard Building’s brand-new Bellisario Media Center. I really enjoyed the experience, as the low levels of ambient noise and the plethora of seating options, combined with Willard’s convenient location, all contributed to a close-to-ideal studying experience. However, some of my main criticisms of the space included the lack of natural light and food or drink amenities. In the next stop on my journey to find the best study spot, I decided to take a trip to the Business Building. Home to the Smeal College of Business and situated in the Northern side of campus, the Business Building seemed to have the makings of an appealing study spot just from its initial impressions.

The Ground Level Seating Area (Source: BLT Architects).

I reached my study spot around 2pm on a Wednesday. I decided to get settled in the main seating area on the ground floor of the building. Classes were still going on at the time, and the business building seemed to be full of students looking to get some work done. As a result, seating options were definitely limited, however there were still enough spaces for everyone. Interestingly, in terms of ambient noise, I found the Business Building to be in between Westgate/Bellisario Media Center and the HUB. This meant that while I didn’t find the noise to be particularly-distracting, I definitely noticed the environment to be louder than my previous two study spots.

In terms of comfort, I found the seating options to be excellent, allowing me to complete my work for long periods of time undistracted.  While my options might have been limited for seating, there is a plethora of seating arrangements available in the Business Building, making the space great for both individual and collaborative work. Like Westgate, I found the business building to have a large selection of desks, making it convenient to get all types of work finished.

In my previous review, some of my biggest cons for the Bellisario Media Center included the lack of natural light and the lack of food and drink amenities. To my satisfaction, the Business Building had plenty to offer for both these considerations. The Business Building has large multi-story floor-to-ceiling windows, letting in an abundance of natural light. While the views might not be as eye-catching as those from Westgate or the Biobehavioral Health Building, the natural light is a welcomed feature of the space. In terms of food and drink amenities, the Business Building is home to a conveniently-located Saxby’s (it’s located on the ground floor, right in front of where I was studying). Other than the higher ambient noise-levels, the only other major drawback that I found for the Business Building was it’s location. Living in South campus, the Business building was a long walk for me, however students living in East campus (or with classes in the area) will likely enjoy the relative-convenience of the Business Building.

Overall, my experience at the Business building was excellent! Other than the noise levels and the location, I would consider it a near perfect experience, as it combined many of the major elements I look for in an ideal study spot. If you’re in the area (or if you’re willing to make the long walk), I would definitely recommend checking out the Business Building!