GTFO is back, and here to help you find more ways to leave campus. With finals coming up
Oops, where was I? Anyways, with finals coming up, 4E has decided to help you find free hidden study spots throughout DC. If caffeine isn’t your thing, don’t fret! There are plenty of non-coffee-shop ways to escape the soul-sucking monstrosity that is Lau, the primal fights that arise when two pre-med students fight over a booth in Regents and the smug looks thrown your way out the windows of the MSB castle after your GoCard stops working at midnight.
Here are some of the best places to enhance your studying by exploring DC:
1. The Bishop’s Garden: Pilgrim Rd Washington, DC 20016
What is it: The Bishop’s Garden is located in the back of the National Cathedral, a short two-mile walk from campus.
Why you should go: It’s a great place to sit out in the sun and work on your Problem of God paper or read John Calvin. Although there’s no wifi, the garden is a peaceful place to get work done and escape the masses of stressed out students.
How to get there: if you aren’t feeling the 2 mile walk, you can take the 30S bus up Wisconsin.
2. Kogod Courtyard: 8th St NW & F St NW, Washington, DC 20001
What is it: Located inside the National Portrait Gallery/Smithsonian American Art Museum, Kogod Courtyard is a cool modern space with lots of tables and free wifi.
Why you should go: If you get tired of studying, you can check out the America’s Presidents gallery or the American Art Museum exhibits (arguably the coolest museum in DC). Bonus: Shake Shack is right across the street.
How to get there: Take the D6 bus to 7th and E, or the Metro red line from Dupont to Gallery Place.
3. The Metro
What is it: This might be a me thing (OK, it’s definitely a me thing), but the Metro is arguably the best study spot in DC.
Why you should go: People-watching is by far the best form of procrastination, and when you’re sick of contemplating the intricacies of macroeconomics, you can contemplate the underground architectural marvel that is the WMATA. Bonus: there’s almost nothing in life as satisfying as riding the Metro to the end of the line, walking across the platform, and getting back on the train going the other way. I also should probably find a hobby other than obsessing over the Metro.
How to get there: If you’re a blue/silver/orange line person, hop on the GUTS bus from Rosslyn and take the Metro from there. If you’re a red line person, take the GUTS bus to Dupont to begin the best study session of your life.
4. Constitution Gardens:
What is it: Constitution Gardens is another outdoor option for all you lucky people who don’t get sunburned after spending two minutes outside.
Why you should go: Located near the Reflecting Pool but away from all the tourists, Constitution Gardens is a beautiful spot to relax under the shadow of the Washington Monument. Bask in the glory of ‘Merica while cranking out some reading.
How to get there: Constitution Gardens is very close to the Lincoln Memorial, so it’s a doable walk or bike ride. You can also get pretty close using the D6 bus or the Foggy Bottom Metro stop.
5. The Library of Congress: 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540
What is it: The reading room at the Library of Congress is the most legit place to study in the District.
Why you should go: Studying in the hallowed halls of the LoC is a great procrastination preventer as going on Facebook seems sacrilegious when you’re surrounded by actual researchers doing actual research. Bonus: Having a Library of Congress card automatically makes you an ultimate swagmaster and way cooler than all of your friends. Flash that baby at Brown House and you will never again be asked, “Who do you know here?”
How to get there: Both the 30S and the D6 bus will get you within walking distance of the Library. You can also take the Metro from Rosslyn to the Capitol South stop.
Take advantage of all the awesome places DC has to offer, and GTFO during your finals cram sessions. Lau 2 will always be here to welcome you back with open arms and negative productivity.
Photos/Gifs: giphy.com, streetepistemology.com, stationsmart.com, americanart.si.edu, living-in-washingtondc.com, wikipedia.org, blogs.loc.com
