Background

Hey everyone, a friend and I recently graduated from VT. For the last two years, we’ve been working on this living document, where we’ve cataloged all the various locations we work/study around the campus. I hope this is useful to someone. It has been for us.

Data

The table below contains 100+ study spaces on Virginia Tech Blacksburg Campus in various buildings and locations. At every study spot, we captured a picture, categorized the place for having windows, outlets, monitors, whiteboards, etc., and then gathered more data-driven measurements like temperature, humidity, noise level in decibels, and even CO2 levels.

All the spaces are rated by tiers, where, of course, the S tier is the very best and the F tier is the very worst. We weren’t able to categorize some spaces we visited because they weren’t accessible to everyone, so they are in the No Tier category.

All data gathered below was considered at the time of review. In some cases, this can make a difference - for example, noise levels in a study room can be dramatically lower in the summer when people aren't around. We recommend optimizing the filters and views for the spaces that best fit you.

Measurement Biases

• Prefer working at table/desk
• Prefer closed space indoors
• Prefer fewer distractions movement of people - prefer isolation
• Prefer to work in cooler temperatures <~65 degrees Fahrenheit

Equipment

• Apple watch for decibels
• Aranet4 for temperature, humidity and CO2

Assumptions

• All VT students can access spaces (no locked doors during open hours or card/swipe required)
• Everything at the time of review

Contributions

If you’re interested in contributing send me a DM on reddit @ /u/EmersonDove