Campus Living Rooms: Spaces to hang out and study
Commuter Lounges
It’s your home away from home. Commuter lounges provide a welcoming space for students who live off-campus to relax, study, and connect with peers between classes. These lounges are equipped with comfortable seating, study areas, charging stations, and sometimes kitchenettes for added convenience. They foster a sense of community among commuter students, offering a dedicated environment where they can unwind, focus on coursework, or socialize with fellow commuters.
Leonardo Commuter Lounge
Features include: Lounge and study furniture, wireless access, laundry, kitchen and microwave, restrooms
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Location: Located on Leonardo Lane near the North Perimeter Parking Lot
Closest parking: North Perimeter Lot (North Perimeter Lot is represented by Lots 150A and 150B on the Campus Parking Map. Note: A permit is required to park in North Perimeter Lot, but Lot 150A includes ParkMobile Hourly and Daily parking options.)
Find the Leonardo Commuter Lounge on a map
Cowell Commuter Lounge
Features include: Lounge and study furniture, wireless access, microwave, ADA restroom
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Location: Located in Cowell College, Apartment 3 building, near the Provost House. Note: On most campus maps the room is labeled Apartment 3 Community Room.
Closest parking: East Remote Parking Lot (East Remote is Lot 104 on the Campus Parking Map. A permit is required to park in East Remote, but it also includes ParkMobile Hourly and Daily parking options.)
Find the Cowell Commuter Lounge on a map
STARRS Commuter Lounge
Features include: Study spaces, a computer lab with FREE printing, testing materials, and a personal care pantry
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Located on the 2nd floor of the Bay Tree building, within the STARRS office.
Closest parking: Lot 101 or East Remote Parking Lot (East Remote is Lot 104 on the Campus Parking Map. A permit is required to park in both lots, but East Remote includes ParkMobile Hourly and Daily parking options.)
Find the STARRS Commuter Lounge on a map.
Coming in 2025-26: Kresge Commuter Lounge
Phase 2 of the Kresge Renewal Project is on track to be completed for the 2025-26 academic year. At that time, the Kresge Commuter Lounge will reopen!
Study, Gathering, and Social Spaces
Our campus offers a variety of study, social, and gathering spaces designed to meet the diverse needs of our students. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to focus, a collaborative area for group work, or a relaxed environment to unwind with friends, there are spaces for everyone. Below are lists of key locations that provide the perfect settings for studying, connecting, and building community.
Open Spaces
UCSC has spaces on campus that are open to students to study, gather, or engage in quiet activities. There are a number of outdoor and indoor spaces to serve your needs. These spaces do not require reservations, so that means other students or community members can also drop in. Please be mindful of sharing spaces that are generally open, respect others, and leave spaces as you found them.
Spaces that are Both Open and Reservable
There are spaces on campus that can be reserved for specific events and by groups, however, when they are not reserved they are open for general, drop-in, use. If you drop-in to use one of these spaces, please be aware that others may be doing the same and it’s possible you could be asked to leave should a reservation be upcoming. Check in with the department that manages the space for any questions. Also, be aware and follow any directions that may be posted on signs in or around the venue.
Check out open and reservable spaces
Spaces that Require a Reservation
UCSC also has spaces on campus that must be reserved for events and gatherings. Maybe your student organization is planning an event or looking for a spot for a meeting. Reserving a space ensures that the space is yours for the approved time frame. Some of the spaces on the list carry a cost to reserve and there may be other costs associated with services like tech, sound, etc. Take a look and reach out directly to the venue for more information.
