This week on Study Spot Hunters, we’re traveling to the gorgeous University of British Columbia to meet two students trying to find the perfect place to study together.
Meet Craig, a 1st year Arts student, and Viv, a 1st year Engineering student.
They might seem like they have irreconcilable differences in what they’re looking for in a study space, but don’t worry, that’s just for the show this is definitely real and not staged.
Craig: I like studying in bright, busy places with some ambient noise. My budget is $15 for a coffee and a meal if I get hungry later.
Viv: I prefer studying in more secluded, quiet places. I brought coffee and lunch from home and my budget is -$30 because of the exorbitant hidden fees on the concert tickets I bought yesterday.
Well, Viv, I unfortunately don’t have a way for you to get paid to study—yet—but I do have some options for spots. But first:
Where to look for study spots
If you want to see all the places where you can study on campus, check out this comprehensive list on the Learning Spaces website. It shows all the non-library study areas at UBC, along with their hours and amenities.
Alternatively, UBC Learning Commons has a map of select study spots on campus and has grouped them into different categories based on what they offer students, from study spaces with food to silent study spots.
Viv: Cool. What study spots are you going to show us today?
Since you folks have such drastically different ways you like to study—
Craig: Actually, I don’t mind studying somewhere quiet occasionally—
Well, that’s not what you agreed to say when you signed up for this, Craig! For your first showing, I have:
Music, Art, and Architecture Library (IKB)
This library is designed for silent studying. It’s bright and open, with large windows and an array of desks and chairs. If you get hungry, Craig, you can pop downstairs and grab some food from Ike’s Cafe, though you can’t bring it inside here. You may like samosas, but the valuable books here sure don’t, hahahaha!
Er, anywho. Thoughts?
Viv: I like that it’s quiet, but I might need somewhere more secluded during exams.
Craig: It’s nice and bright, but I like to snack while I study and need somewhere I can eat.
I hear you loud and clear, folks! Check out this guide in case you wanted to learn more about the different library options at UBC.
Now, onwards we go! Our next option is:
Meekison Arts Students’ Space (Buchanan D)
This lounge is full of comfortable couches and chairs where you can snuggle up to do your readings. You can eat here—there’s even a microwave!—and chat quietly if you want. It’s usually easy to grab a spot if you come during a class change.
Craig: This place feels really chill and relaxed. I like that I can eat here and chat a little to my friends or group members. However, it’s so chill I’m worried I might get sleepy.
Viv: It feels secluded here which is nice, but this is nowhere near my classes.
Astute observation, Viv!
Viv: Alright.
Next on the list is:
Loop Cafe (CIRS)
The Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability is bright and bustling. Loop Cafe serves a variety of health-conscious, sustainable meals and is a good place to work if you need to talk about a project.
Craig: I like the ambiance here a lot. It’s in an area I don’t get to that often, but I don’t mind coming here once in a while for a change of scenery.
Viv: This is a lot closer to my classes, which is great! I might come here during a lunch break if I need to eat and work for a shorter amount of time. However, it might be a little too distracting to get a lot of work done.
Okay, we’re sailing through the options. This next one is a bit of a left-turn:
Wreck Beach
Viv: What?
Hear me out. Wreck Beach is a great place to visit on a non-rainy day if you dress warmly. It’s often very quiet and peaceful during the winter, and can be a good option if you want to do some readings and get away from it all. Bonus: you get some exercise by doing the stairs!
Craig: I could see myself doing some readings here once in a while, but it probably won’t be my go-to study spot.
Viv: I haven’t been here in winter, but I love how quiet it is. I don’t know if I’d study here, but I’ll definitely come down if I need a break.
Great. Now the last thing I’ll highlight is:
The Library Room Booking System
This tool lets you search for available private study rooms throughout some of UBC’s libraries and book them for your group projects. There’s rooms available in:
- Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
- Koerner Library
- Woodward Library
So, do we have a winner?
Viv: These are all great places. I think the best thing for me is to keep trying new spots to study so I can figure out what works best for me.
Craig: I’ll probably settle on a couple of favourite places to study, but it’s nice to know that I have options.
Exactly! You don’t have to always study in the same place—it can be helpful to mix things up. The most important thing is to find a spot that works for the way you study. Everyone studies differently!
Again, here are the links to find study spots:
- Non-library learning spaces
- Map and study spot by grouping
- Guide to UBC libraries
- Library Room Booking System
Any last dramatic arguments over which study spot is better?
Craig: No.
Fair enough! Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Study Spot Hunters. Happy studying!
