Hello! I'm OU Daily editor-in-chief Anusha Fathepure.
With finals week coming up, here are some tips, tricks and resources to study like a pro and get through exam season.
Looking for a quiet place to study? Here are some spots around campus.
Conoco Student Leadership Center: The Conoco Student Leadership Center can be found on the southwest corner of the Union. This is a solid choice for group studying because it has two floors with a large open study space. Whether studying for finals, writing a paper or working on a group project, this study spot does the trick.
The Peggy V. Helmerich Great Reading Room: In the Bizzell Memorial Library, the Great Reading Room is one of the quietest places on campus. The room has the perfect environment to settle down and study, including stable internet connection, outlets and plenty of table room. This space is great for students trying to escape bustling crowds and background noise for uninterrupted concentration and productivity.
The Great Reading Room inside Bizzell Memorial Library.
The Helmerich Collaborative Learning Center: On Bizzell Memorial Library’s Lower Level 1, this space is designed for students to talk and collaborate with friends or classmates. There are multiple study rooms available for reservation in the learning center. These private rooms are best for group study sessions since they have multiple chairs, tables and whiteboards.
Courtyard between Bizzell Memorial Library and Evans Hall: There is a secluded area nestled between the library and Evans Hall where students can study in the fresh air. This area and the lawns around the library attract students who enjoy studying or hanging out outdoors. A change in pace from typical study spots, this outdoor area is where students can bring picnic blankets or hammocks.
Gaylord Hall rooftop terrace: Overlooking the OU football practice field, the terrace on Gaylord Hall’s third floor allows students to get some fresh air and a change of scenery. It is a spot to settle down, enjoy the view and get some work done.
Fine Arts Library: Another hidden gem is the Fine Arts Library in the Catlett Music Center. The inviting atmosphere, with windows lining the ceiling and faint background music, welcomes students to this unique study location.
The OU library system is experimenting with 24-hour access to the Bizzell Memorial Library during dead week rather than finals week due to low…
OU library system will be holding 24-hour access to the Bizzell Memorial Library during dead week.
OU Student Government Association, in partnership with University Libraries, conducted a fall 2025 student survey to determine library attendance during extended hours. Caleb Robinson, Undergraduate Student Congress chair, said the survey’s results showed students preferred to use the library as a study space during dead week despite indications that library usage was decreasing.
Need a pick-me-up or a burst of energy while studying? Here are a couple local coffee shop options on and off campus.
The Bookmark Cafe: The Bookmark Cafe is the only cafe in the Bizzell Memorial Library and offers a convenient and quick experience. Found on Lower Level 1, this shop is the ideal spot for a mid-study caffeine break. It serves Starbucks menu drinks as well as on-the-go snacks and baked goods. Students can use meal points, and meal exchanges are accepted after 2 p.m. The Bookmark Cafe is open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday.
The Hive: The Hive serves Starbucks teas, espressos and blended beverages. Among many restaurants in Cross Village, The Hive is around a half-mile walk from the South Oval at 1695 Asp Ave. The Hive is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meal points and meal exchanges are accepted.
Einstein Bros. Bagels: Einstein Bros. Bagels, known for its bagels and cream cheeses, is on the first floor of Headington Hall, across from the Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. It offers chai lattes, cold brews, smoothies, macchiatos and more. Meal points and meal exchanges are accepted. Einstein Bros. Bagels is open from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily at 100 E. Lindsey St.
Haystack Coffee: Conveniently located between the South Greek houses and first-year housing, Haystack Coffee merges a variety of drink options with an energetic, studious atmosphere. Around a half-mile walk from the South Oval, Haystack allows for a quick break between classes. Haystack Coffee is open from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday at 1203 Elm Ave.
Students study at Haystack Coffee on Feb. 1.
Beanstalk Coffee and Sno: This Norman business has four locations, with the most recent opening on Campus Corner. Beanstalk offers a selection of coffee, snow cones, treats and cozy places to study or relax. Hours vary by location and can be found on Beanstalk’s website. The Campus Corner location is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Second Wind Coffeehouse: Second Wind Coffeehouse is a nonprofit that accepts donations, rather than set prices. This allows customers to enjoy high-quality, specialty coffees without the high costs often associated with the service. Staffed by student volunteers, this unique spot encompasses the OU community. It hosts a variety of events such as open-mic readings, craft nights and live music. Second Wind Coffeehouse is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday at 564 Buchanan Ave.
Yellow Dog Coffee Co.: Yellow Dog Coffee Co. serves locally roasted and ethically sourced coffee as well as teas and pastries. Its location near downtown makes for an ideal study spot, and its drive-thru location at 1230 Alameda St. is the perfect place to get caffeinated before heading to class. The drive-thru location is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Yellow Dog’s main location is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at 222 S. Porter Ave.
Yellow Dog Coffee Company on March 8, 2026.
The Daily Grindz: Coffee, seasonal beverages and energy drinks are some of the options found at this spot. Breakfast foods and baked goods are also offered for anyone wanting a tasty treat. Found at 1915 Classen Blvd., the coffee shop is open 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.
Gray Owl Coffee: Gray Owl Coffee is a gathering place in the Norman community, often hosting pop-up shops, block parties, book swaps and more. Not only does Gray Owl provide connections through events, but it’s also a popular study spot for its ambiance. A variety of fresh, house-made pastries line the cases while the chalkboard coffee menu overflows with beverage options. Gray Owl is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at 223 E. Gray St.
Find more recs for local businesses in our annual Best of Norman.
For more information on exam schedules and academic resources, visit OU final exam schedule. More information on student resources can be found on the OU student resources page.
