UT University Health Services

Napping

College students are among the most sleep-deprived population. While it’s important for students to aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, napping can be a good supplement during the day if you’re feeling you need a boost!

Benefits of Napping

Increased alertness and focus

Improved memory and cognitive functioning

Better mood

Higher energy levels throughout the day

Increased motor performance (such as reaction time) and reduced mistakes and accidents

Napping Tips

Keep naps short and sweet
A power nap of 20-30 minutes can renew attention span and refresh the body. Long naps can disrupt your ability to get restful sleep later on. Set your cell phone alarm to wake you up.
Aim for early afternoon
Try napping between the hours of 1pm-4pm so it doesn’t impact your ability to fall asleep at night.
Schedule time for naps
such as in between classes or mid-way through a study session.
Security
If you are napping somewhere other than your room, try use your backpack as a pillow and make sure nothing valuable is sitting out. Wrapping your arms around your backpack can also be comfortable for a quick nap.
Stretch
Stretch before and after your nap. It will help you feel better all day.

Healthyhorns Nap Map

This map represents the best napping spots on campus, as voted on by UT students! Use this map to locate your optimal napping spot. Remember to use caution when picking a nap spot and always keep your belongings with you.

Click on each location for more details. Click on "more" to see the street view of the building. Full descriptions and ratings for each location are also displayed below. Please check the website for each building for the most up-to-date information about business hours. You can also download our Nap Map physical handout.


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Note: Each location was rated by student volunteers. All categories are scored from 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest rating and 5 being the highest. All building hours are subject to change. Some buildings are accessible afterhours with a valid UT ID.
accessibility
Accessibility: Accessibility indicates how easy a student can access the building. It also indicates how easy it is for a student with mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, crutches, and other mobility aids, to access and nap in the spot comfortably and safely. A high accessibility score indicates that the space is very accessible.
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comfort
Comfort: The comfort score indicates the building’s accommodating environment. Criteria such as temperature, furniture, space, and lighting were considered. A high score indicates a very comfortable environment.
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crowd activity
Crowd Activity: The number of people in the vicinity of the nap spots in the building determines the crowd activity score. Things considered include the amount of foot traffic in the area, as well as active classrooms with a consistent stream of students. A high crowd activity rating means that the space is almost never crowded.
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noise
Noise: The noise score considers the auditory stimuli in the area. Multiple conversations, classroom instruction, and other noises can interfere with a restful nap. A high noise rating indicates a quiet location.
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accessiblity
4
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comfort level
5
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crowd level
5
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noise level
5

Welcoming all students, the Center for Students in Recovery office is home to a number of wonderful napping spaces. Whether it be in the community room or meditation room, a nap at this quiet location is sure to be refreshing and energizing.

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accessiblity
3
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comfort level
4
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crowd level
4
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noise level
5

Providing 433,000 square feet of engineering and research, this building is the new home of Texas Engineering. The EER has a large atrium (including the Mundkur E-Loft) full of comfortable sofas and chairs for napping. Additionally, students looking for a quiet place to snooze can find a spot in the McKinney Engineering Library.

accessiblity
4
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comfort level
5
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crowd level
2
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noise level
3

With high ceilings, authentic cowhide chairs, leather couches, marble coffee tables and rustic chandeliers, the alumni center surely is a fancy place for a well-deserved nap. In addition to plenty of great furniture, there is also a coffee shop (Texas Expresso) to get some drinks and snacks after your refreshing snooze. Of note: depending on the time of day you visit, the crowd and noise levels may vary because of the coffee shop that is open until 2 p.m.

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Flawn Academic Center (FAC)
First Floor Study Area
M – TH: 8 AM – 10 PM
F: 8 AM – 8 PM
S, S: 12 PM – 5 PM
accessiblity
4
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comfort level
4
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crowd level
4
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noise level
1

The FAC is a great place to study with friends or solo. It can be noisy during the day due to classrooms located in the building, but if you are a heavy sleeper this is the place for you! There are several areas throughout the building with different types of furniture. It is also located right between the Tower and Guadalupe Street, making it very accessible for people coming from West Campus or on campus itself.

F. L. Winship Drama Building
M – F: 7 AM – 11PM
accessiblity
4
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comfort level
2
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crowd level
2
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noise level
3

Lights! Camera! Sleep! Follow the director's cue and head on over to WIN for a relaxing nap. Not only is it home to state-of-the-art theaters, but the drama building also has quiet corridors and lounge areas that are great for some well-deserved eye-resting.

Fine Arts Library (DFA)
First Floor
M – TH: 8AM – 10PM
F: 8AM-5PM
SAT: CLOSED
SUN: 12PM-8PM
accessiblity
4
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comfort level
4
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crowd level
4
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noise level
5

Located less centrally than some of the other libraries on campus, if you prefer a quieter, less crowded nap spot, the Fine Arts Library is the perfect spot to catch some ZzZs

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Gates Dell Complex (GDC)
FIRST FLOOR LOBBY AREA
M – F: 7AM – 10PM
accessiblity
5
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comfort level
5
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crowd level
4
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noise level
3

The GDC has great furniture for some relaxation between classes. Centrally located on Speedway, take a quick stop by the GDC to relax of the comfy red couches or grab a snack from the concessions located inside!

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George I. Sanchez Building (SZB)
THIRD FLOOR LOUNGE AREA
M – F: 6AM – 7PM
SAT: CLOSED
SUN: CLOSED
accessiblity
5
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comfort level
4
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crowd level
4
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noise level
4

The George Sanchez Building houses the College of Education on the south side of campus. The Sanchez building can get busy, but students are sure to find quiet spots throughout the building. The third-floor lounge area on the south side of the building is a serene pocket of quiet space while class is in session.

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accessiblity
4
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comfort level
3
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crowd level
4
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noise level
3.5

The Gregory Gymnasium has several cushioned benches and lounge areas throughout the building that can be a great spot for a quick nap! The Games Room on the third floor has multiple comfortable sofas that are perfect for a refreshing snooze. Additionally, you can spend another 30 minutes after the nap working out, which will only keep you more energized for the remainder of your day. Crowd and noise ratings are based off the Games Room location.

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Jester East/West Residence Halls (JES)
FIRST FLOOR NEAR THE ELEVATORS
EVERY DAY 8AM – 11PM
accessiblity
5
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comfort level
5
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crowd level
3
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noise level
1

Many people roam throughout the first floor of this complex, including potential students on college tours. However, there are hidden spots here that allow the ability to nap. There are quiet areas designated for studying but a quick and quiet nap in between study sessions won’t be a problem!

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Kinsolving Residence Hall (KIN)
1ST FLOOR, GALLERY OF GREAT TEXAS
EVERY DAY 8AM - 11PM
accessiblity
4
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comfort level
5
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crowd level
2
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noise level
5

Kinsolving is open to the public during the day and proves to be a great spot for napping on the north side of campus. It has a great lounge area on the first floor with comfy sofas and cushions that will put you right to sleep. The temperature is very moderate so for those who prefer a perfect room temperature area for their nap, this is the place for you!

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Life Science Library (in MAI)
LIBRARY READING ROOM
M – TH: 8AM – 10PM
F: 8AM – 5PM
SAT: 1PM – 5PM
SUN: 2PM – 10PM
accessiblity
4
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comfort level
5
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crowd level
5
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noise level
5

The Life Science Library is a great place for that sleep you are craving right this instant! Located in the most iconic part of UT, the second floor of the Tower is home to plenty sofas and chairs for that nap of yours. The temperature is well-suited for a cool nap and the quiet ambiance of the library makes this nap spot one for the books!

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Norman Hackerman Building (NHB)
OUTER PATIO
M – F: 7AM – 6PM
SAT: CLOSED
SUN: CLOSED
accessiblity
4
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comfort level
5
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crowd level
5
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noise level
5

The Norman Hackerman Building is not only known for its cool and contemporary architecture but also for its napping spots. The outer NHB patio is well known for its cool metal seating areas that can be moved into make-shift beds. These are especially comfortable on a sunny day when the shade has kept the seats cool! Not only is this place quiet and quite a good nap spot, but it is a good place to relax the mind.

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Patton Hall (RLP)
2ND FLOOR SEATING AREA
EVERY DAY 6AM – 10PM
accessiblity
5
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comfort level
4
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crowd level
5
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noise level
4

This spot provides a quiet respite from the busier lower floors of Patton Hall. Away from most classrooms and offices, this area can be used to sit quietly and study before classes or for some quick shut-eye.

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Perry Castaneda Library (PCL)
UFCU Room
M – TH: OPEN 24 HOURS
F: CLOSES 11PM
SAT: 10AM – 11PM
SUN: OPENS AT 11AM
accessiblity
5
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comfort level
4
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crowd level
4
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noise level
1

The PCL is a cherished study spot for many. This library is home to multiple floors of silence and space. The STEM room located on the first floor has many comfy chairs and sofas for those who want to take a break from their studies. Collaboration can make this space a little loud during peak areas of the day so it may be better suited for the heavier sleepers. Those who prefer a quiet space can find their prime nap spots on the quiet floors of the library.

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Pharmacy Building (PHR)
M – F: 7AM – 7PM
SAT: CLOSED
SUN: CLOSED
accessiblity
4
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comfort level
2
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crowd level
3
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noise level
5

Though this building is mostly for Pharmacy students, it has great, comfortable benches lining the hallways for anyone to get a brief nap in! There is a decent amount of chatter with students going to class and studying in the halls, but if you need a quick nap as you move through campus, the PHR is the place for you!

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Robert Lee Moore (RLM)
Engineering Library
M – F: 6:30PM – 7PM
SAT: CLOSED
SUN: CLOSED
ENGINEERING LIBRARY HOURS:
M – TH: 8AM – 8PM
F: 8AM – 5PM
SAT: CLOSED
SUN: 2PM – 8PM
accessiblity
4
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comfort level
2
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crowd level
1
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noise level
3

This building has the napping potential with ample space and comfortable furniture and if you are just looking for a place to rest your head down, this is the place! The library is a quiet spot to lay your head in between classes or during study breaks.

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San Jacinto Residence Hall (SJH)
EVERY DAY 8AM – 11PM
accessiblity
2
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comfort level
4
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crowd level
5
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noise level
5

Looking for a quick snooze after the trek to your class on the east side of campus? Stop by San Jacinto residence hall for a nap in their well-furnished, virtually silent lounges! The lighting's adjustable and the crowd activity is light—perfect for those with some anxiety about public napping!

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accessiblity
5
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comfort level
3
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crowd level
5
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noise level
5

Sid Richardson Hall is located on the east side of campus and houses the LBJ School of Public Affairs, as well as the Benson Latin American Collection Library, and features various low chatter nap nooks, in addition to a cafe! On sunny days, the surrounding lawn provides a nice ambience for nappers.

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accessiblity
5
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comfort level
4
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crowd level
4
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noise level
3

Stop by the lawn for a nap with a view! Located in the heart of campus, the South Mall lawn provides a convenient location for nappers seeking out a scenic snooze with a breeze. To avoid the chatter of passing students, plug in your headphones and let the ambiance lull you to rest.

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Students Services Building (SSB)
FIRST FLOOR LOBBY
M – F: 7 AM – 10 PM
SAT: 9 AM – 7 PM
SUN: 12 PM – 10 PM
accessiblity
5
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comfort level
4
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crowd level
4
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noise level
4

The SSB has lots of great resources for students including comfortable furniture for studying and relaxing between classes. The natural lighting and comfy couches in the lobby provide a great place to get some needed shut eye. The Mind Body Lab on the fifth floor also provides a dark, cool space to relax. Stop by the CMHC front desk to inquire about space availability and to check out some relaxation guides.

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Turtle Pond (Lawn near BIO)
LAWN ABOVE POND
OPEN
accessiblity
5
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comfort level
4
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crowd level
3
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noise level
5

Long day? Catch up on your ZZZs on this quaint lawn while also watching the UT turtles! The lawn is well-shaded, plush with grass, and relatively low volume. Hang out, study, or take a nap in this secluded, charming location!

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The Union (UNB)
3RD FLOOR LOUNGE AREA
M – F: 7 AM – 1 AM
SAT: 10 AM – 1 AM
SUN: 12 PM – 1 AM
accessiblity
5
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comfort level
4
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crowd level
3
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noise level
5

The Union is the place to be when it comes to dim-lit and cozy areas to have some shut-eye on campus. Located right by Guadalupe Street, it has several floors with couches, as well as a few private rooms. You are sure to find an area in this building that is perfect for your morning or afternoon nap.

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accessiblity
4
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comfort level
3
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crowd level
3
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noise level
4

Bridging the Jones Communication Center Buildings (CMA, CMB) and the William Randolph Hearst Student Media Building (HSM), this plaza is a great outside area for napping. Whether you prefer to lie on the grass turf or plop into the lawn chairs, this plaza is an awesome place for relaxing, working or studying.

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William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center (WCP- formerly SAC)
FIRESIDE LOUNGE AND 2ND FLOOR STAIRS ON SOUTH SIDE
M – F: 7AM – 1AM
SAT: 11AM – 1AM
SUN: 12PM – 1AM
accessiblity
4
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comfort level
5
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crowd level
4
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noise level
3

Grab a fireside spot in one of the lounges or plop yourself on the cushioned steps upstairs for a guaranteed luxurious snooze. On any given day, you’ll be joined by lots of other nappers and there are outlets to recharge your devices while you nap. Although the SAC's typically busy during the school week, the upstairs areas and wooden steps avoid much of the chatter you’ll experience in heavier traffic areas.

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