My Top 5 Study Spots on Campus
Written by: Julian Barua, 2nd Year Computer Science
Photo by: Weldon Libraries
It’s really difficult to start working or studying in my bedroom. While some people are more than content with being productive in any setting, in my experience, the biggest difference between procrastinating and progressing is the location! Luckily, Western offers a great variety of study spots. Whether you’re the type of person that works best in a room full of the ambient noise of others studying, or you’re someone who just needs silence between you and your work, there’s somewhere for everyone to lock in. Here are five spots that proved to be useful during my past study sessions!
1. DB Weldon Library, 3rd floor
Weldon is one of the most popular studying spots, and for good reason! The third floor has three main studying areas: one with larger tables for those studying in groups, one with long counters and cubicles for partner work or independent work, and a quiet area with cubicles and windows. The fourth floor has a similar quiet study area if the third floor is all filled up. While the window seats are limited, I recommend them to anyone looking for a good atmosphere during a long studying session.
Working near a window adds a noticeable boost to my productivity–I don’t know if there’s any science behind it, but I feel a lot more alert and willing to focus with sunlight!
2. Allyn & Betty Taylor Library
Taylor Library’s stacks offer a cozy environment with larger tables for working with four to six others, conveniently connected to the Natural Sciences building. There are numerous stacks as well, decreasing the likelihood that all of them are in use. Similar to Weldon, the stacks provide a sunny view from each table, as well as quick access to the Natural Science building’s various amenities, including the Nucleus, Einstein Cafe, and possibly one of your course’s lecture halls! Lidded beverages are allowed in the stacks and the rest of Taylor Library.
Looking for a more minimalist study space to just focus on your work? There’s nothing more straightforward than Taylor’s cubicles on the lower ground floor. If you happen to study in the morning or afternoon, some sunlight still makes it in by the window wall at the far end of the lower ground floor. Each cubicle is equipped with charging ports for keeping your devices charged in longer study sessions, and there are even group work tables near the windows if your study plans change.
The cubicles are where I got most of my midterm studying done during my first year, but I encourage using them only when absolutely necessary. While studying in an isolated space like this is very productive, it can also get very monotonous. Consider switching up your study spaces regularly to prevent burnout.
3. C.B. "Bud" Johnston Business Library
On the other side of campus lies the Business Library, a resourceful and comfortable choice for any student! This two-floor library within the Ivey Building offers studying tables, cubicles with bookable computers, and bookable study spaces. Like many other libraries at Western, this library will also stay open later during exam periods to accommodate your busy schedule.
4. Amit Chakma Engineering Building
The Amit Chakma Engineering Building’s study room comes equipped with four whiteboard walls and numerous tables, making it the perfect study spot for those who make a lot of notes or want to share ideas with their group. The building is across the road from the Ivey Building—anyone living in Ontario Hall or around this part of London has relatively quick access to these two locations!
5. Cardinal Carter Library, King’s University College
That’s right, my favourite spot to study on campus is technically off campus! King’s University College’s Cardinal Carter Library is a versatile studying location, with a lower floor for group work and a quiet studying area on the upper floor. Additionally, there is a cafe adjacent to the lower floor’s main area, serving pastries and coffee for most of the day. With these three features, it is a great choice for those looking to study comfortably for long periods.
Most of my final exam studying last year was done here. Despite King’s having a parallel exam schedule to Western’s, the library was never too crowded during peak study times. I deeply recommend checking out the Cardinal Carter Library sometime–it’s a hidden gem, at least for now!
These are only a few of my favourite study spots on campus—Western is home to dozens of great options, be it a library, an open room, or even a park bench! Take the time to try all sorts of locations to see what kind of environment kicks your productivity into gear. For more study spots, as well as directions and virtual tours, check out the Western Libraries website!
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