Best Places to Study at UWaterloo

Unless you live in one of the UWaterloo dorms with a pre-arranged desk setup and you never leave that desk, you probably need to find a place to study when you are on campus. As many of you know, this is not easy especially with the growing student population. Well have no fear!  Here is a collective list of the best places I’ve found to study at UWaterloo.

Let’s start with the obvious, the main libraries. The libraries can be a very good place to study because there are study carousels equipped with a lamp, electrical outlet and a big desk. They also are quiet and they have books if you need to find one for a research project. Both Dana Porter and Davis Center have study rooms that you can book if you need to work in groups (single study rooms in DC). Be sure to get there quickly though as spots will fill up fast during times of assignments, midterms and finals.

The not so obvious libraries to study at on campus are the College libraries. If you did not know St.Jerome’s, Renison and Conrad Grebel all have libraries. Although they close earlier than the main campus libraries, you can always find a seat in any of these libraries. All of these areas tend to have an atmosphere that is perfect for studying.  

Another common place to study is the SLC. You may have already visited – the Great Hall where the couches are, the tables near Brubakers, the second floor with couches and some tables and the quiet study area. However were you aware of the other hidden gem also available to use?  There is a lesser-known third floor with a silent study room. There doesn’t seem to be many people there during the morning and late at night so that’s a great time to go.  Keep in mind in the afternoon it can be a bit more difficult to find a spot.

Interestingly and perhaps the least known is the space available at the faculties.  Each faculty has some type of study area in their faculty building. For example Math has the MC comfy couches on the second floor, Accounting and Finance have their own lounge, Arts has the PAS lounge, and Applied Health Sciences has the fireplace lounge in the Lyle Hallman Institute. You are not restricted to studying in just your faculty study areas. You are free to venture out to other faculty study spots if they appeal to you.  So go out and explore!  Picking different places to study can help when you need to be creative too as your new space is unfamiliar, allowing your mind to be open.

Have any hidden gem study areas you want to tell us about?  Where do you like to study at UWaterloo?  Feel free to tell us in the comments!