Get out of your dorm. You're not getting anything done there.

Here's the top five places to study within reasonable walking distance from campus:

1. The Public Library (kind of a hike... it's west on Broadway)
Have you been in reading room upstairs? It looks out over Columbia (whoa!). Seriously, though, it's beautiful. Quiet, really bright, and there are lots of places to plug in the ole comp.

2. Coffee Mecca of Missouri (i.e., the corner of Ninth and Cherry)
Take your pick - the Cherry Street Artisan (low-key, worn-in and homey, lots of space, gooey butter cake and espresso shakes, open all night for finals), Lakota (earthy and comfortable, small but lots of seats, day old pastries for $1, open till 11pm), Panera (a little more upbeat, bright, yummy bagels, open till 10pm), or the new kid on the block, Kaldi's coffee (feels like a dressed-up Panera, comfy couches, mac 'n cheese (though I don't know if it's any good), usually open till 10pm).

3. Peace Park
Get a blanket and score some rays while you read. Lots of students will be out there, so you don't have to worry about too many weirdos lurking around. It's just west of the Jschool.

4. The new Uprise Bakery/Rag Tag Cinema
Outdoor seating, beer... a trendy but comfortable atmosphere inside... and hello? Cupcakes? It's on Hitt Street, just south of Broadway.

5. Nothing But Noodles
They have a porch in the back! Hooray. And yummy Phat Thai (Americanized, of course). They're practically on campus, so it's fast place to get to (just east of the Jschool)