The best group study spots near Chico State are Meriam Library’s group study rooms, which you can reserve online in 50-minute blocks, plus the Student Learning Center and the Bell Memorial Union. Off campus, try the Butte County Library’s Chico Branch, downtown cafés like Stoble Coffee, and the open lawns of Bidwell Park. Choose a spot based on how much space, quiet, and tech your group needs, and book rooms early during midterms and finals.
Campus Walk is right next to Chico State, so getting to a study session takes just a few minutes. Our community also has a business center and free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout, including by the pool and in the clubhouse, so group projects can easily continue at home.
Why Is Meriam Library the Top Group Study Spot?
Meriam Library has study space on all four floors. The third floor is a silent study zone, so take group work to the other floors.
Group Study Rooms
Group study rooms have large tables and whiteboards. Current students can reserve a room online with a csuchico.edu email in 50-minute blocks, up to two per day. Rooms may be released if no one arrives within 10 minutes. If a room is open, you can also walk in.
Rooms With Tech
- Net Study Rooms: Each has a computer with a large display, which works well for group slideshows.
- Presentation Room 252: Record practice runs of class presentations.
- Conference Room 227: Often open after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends when staff aren’t using it.
Check library hours before late-night sessions.
Where Can Groups Get Academic Help on Campus?
Sometimes your group needs more than a table. These campus services can help.
Student Learning Center
The Student Learning Center (Student Services Center 340) offers small-group subject tutoring, Supplemental Instruction drop-in sessions, and study skills workshops. The Math Learning Lab on the fourth floor of Meriam Library takes drop-ins on weekdays.
Writing Center
The Writing Center offers free one-hour appointments, in person or on Zoom, plus 30-minute drop-ins. It’s a great stop before you turn in a group paper.
Is the Bell Memorial Union Good for Group Study?
Yes. The Bell Memorial Union (BMU) is a convenient place to meet between classes, with study space in The Well and the Wildcat Leadership Center and food from Common Grounds and the Marketplace Café. Larger groups can reserve BMU conference rooms through Conference Services. Hours change by semester, so check before you go.
Where Can Groups Study Off Campus in Chico?
A change of scenery can help a long study session.
Butte County Library, Chico Branch
The Butte County Library Chico Branch is temporarily at 196 Memorial Way while its Sherman Avenue building is being renovated. It’s a quiet spot with Wi-Fi, open six days a week.
Stoble Coffee
Stoble Coffee (418 Broadway St.) is a downtown café open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a good place for a small group to review over coffee.
Bidwell Park
On nice days, take your flashcards outside. Bidwell Park covers about 2,500 acres, and Lower Park has shaded lawns close to downtown.
How Do You Run a Productive Group Study Session?
The right spot helps, but a plan matters more. Try these tips:
- Set a goal. Agree on what you’ll cover before you meet.
- Book ahead. Reserve library rooms early, especially before midterms and finals.
- Divide the work. Have each person lead a topic or a set of practice questions.
- Use the whiteboard. Work through problems where everyone can see them.
- Take short breaks. A five-minute break every hour keeps the group focused.
- End with next steps. Decide who’s doing what before the next session.
Why Is Campus Walk a Great Home Base for Group Study?
From Meriam Library’s study rooms to a café table downtown, Chico has plenty of places for group study. Campus Walk is right next to Chico State, so it’s easy to get to the library or the BMU. Back home, the business center and free Wi-Fi make it easy to keep working on projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reserve a study room at Chico State?
Reserve Meriam Library group study rooms online through the library’s LibCal system with your csuchico.edu email. Rooms are booked in 50-minute blocks, up to two per day.
Which floor of Meriam Library is quiet?
The third floor of Meriam Library is a silent study area. Group study rooms and collaborative spaces are on the other floors.
Does Chico State offer free tutoring?
Yes. The Student Learning Center offers small-group tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, and study skills workshops. The Writing Center offers free appointments and drop-ins.
Where can I study off campus in Chico?
Try the Butte County Library Chico Branch (temporarily at 196 Memorial Way), downtown cafés like Stoble Coffee, or the lawns of Lower Bidwell Park.
Where is the Chico public library right now?
The Butte County Library Chico Branch is temporarily at 196 Memorial Way while its Sherman Avenue building is being renovated.