I live in residence, so I’m always on campus. Studying at the library is great, but after spending 8 hours there for days in a row, especially during finals season, I need a change of scenery.
Although I spend a lot of time in the library during midterms and finals season, the weather can change my motivation to walk there. Sometimes I just want to stay in my room, but I tend to not get work done as much at my desk. I like switching things up and going somewhere else. I always end up going to the same few places to study for exams, so here are my favorites.
Common Rooms of Residences
The closest thing to the library atmosphere is the Hodder study rooms. They have the same bright white lighting and a modern feel. Hodder has individual, partly-open study rooms on the first floor, and a few closed-door rooms upstairs. I always feel productive when I’m there. In my opinion, Hodder is the nicest place to study aside from the library!
I also like the common room in Mackinnon. During the day, it’s surprisingly quiet, with big windows that keep the large room well-lit. There’s cozy, couch-like chairs and regular tables for a more traditional study set-up. I think it is an unexpected place to study, but perfect if you’re looking for peace and quiet.
The other residences, Keuhner, Abbot, and Munster, also have their own study rooms, but they’re much smaller than the two I just described, which is why I prefer the others. Of course, they’re still a great place to go if you don’t want to leave your residence.
Spots Around Campus
If you’re in between classes but have enough time to sit down and do some work, the Bus Stop Café is an easy option. It’s in the academic buildings and sells snacks and coffee, a good place for a quick snack as well. There’s a few tables so you can get some quick stuff done.
When it’s sunny out, I like to do work outside. Getting fresh air is good for you, so why not get things done at the same time? There’s many tables around campus where people sit with friends or do work for their classes. On the right of the library there is a big gazebo. It’s pretty peaceful and almost always empty. I think it looks like the perfect place to do readings.
The sports plex is another popular spot to study because Tim Hortons is right inside, making it a good place to take a break and get a snack.
There’s also the terrace, which is really pretty when the weather is nice. I like the terrace more because it’s quieter than the plex. The plex can get loud if there’s sporting events, so it really depends what your preference of study environments is.
Lastly, a staple for first-years is Dewies. Dewies has a very chill atmosphere in the morning, and I like sitting at one of the corner tables with my computer, also eating breakfast before class. It definitely gets louder as the day goes by, so that’s why I think mornings are the best time to study here.
You Can Study Anywhere, Really
Although there are many more places on campus to do work at, these are my personal favorites that I switch around every so often. It honestly depends on what assignments I have to do and the noise level I will tolerate. Everyone has their individual preference, so exploring the campus to find your ideal study spot is important for your productivity.
