With dead week rapidly approaching, the Clog is sure of one thing: We don’t want to pay $20 for a seat in Main Stacks this year. And no, we don’t want to squeeze between blaring iPods and ticking keyboards in Doe’s ever-so-popular reading room. To add to the ever-growing list of grievances, the basements of Dwinelle, loaded with potentially empty classrooms, is dark and creepy, and the Glade is crowded and chattery. What’s a desperate studier to do?

Lucky for you, we’re about to make it easier to wander away from Berkeley’s most overpopulated study spots. If you find yourself in a reading rut this dead week, try mixing it up with one of these awesome campus nooks!

1. Morrison Library: If you’re looking to peruse some texts, you can’t beat this comfortable little gem. Immediately on your right as you enter Doe, Morrison is filled with comfortable couches and secluded tables. If you can manage to get a seat, this is probably Berkeley’s most relaxing, stress-free and quiet reading environment. Except if you whip out your laptop. Then they’ll yell at you.

2. McCone Hall: Even though this is the geology building, we don’t advise you to study on the rocks (unless you have glutes of steel). If you take the elevator to the top floor of this building, there ‘s a beautiful west-facing balcony adorned with a couple of rarely used couches. And if this scenic spot gets busy, every floor of McCone has a small, sunny balcony with considerable privacy … oh, and spying privileges too.

3. Engineering Library: Believe it or not, the engineering library is not just for engineers! If you want to do some work on the computer in a room with killer air-conditioning, this is the place for you. Right next to Evans, this library has a huge assortment of study areas, ranging from silent reading nooks to collaborative group tables. Oh, and if you ask nicely, we’re sure you could get some masterful help on that last math assignment.

4. The chancellor’s front lawn: We probably should have saved this one for ourselves, but the grassy hills outside the chancellor’s house are the best outdoor study spot on campus. You can leisurely shift between sun and shade, enjoy the silence of low foot traffic and feed the squirrels. A towel to sit on and at least one bottle of water are always smart additions to your outdoor studying adventures.

5. Golden Bear Pool: So you just bought that new bathing suit but feel too guilty to go on a leisurely swim with so much studying left to do. Solution? Bring your books to Golden Bear Pool! Located behind Clark Kerr, this hidden oasis offers grassy slopes and a warm boardwalk that are perfect for lying out with some homework. Just try not to get distracted by the hottie in lane two.