uOttawa is a big campus and it can be hard sometimes to decide where to study. For those of us who just can’t focus on homework at home (like me), finding a go-to study spot is ESSENTIAL for maintaining an academic weapon lifestyle. I tried out some of the most popular and underrated study spots on campus and reviewed them so you don’t have to!
Desmarais Starbucks
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
Noise Level: 3 out of 5
Nearby Snack Options: Since you’re in a Starbucks, every drink and snack on the menu is just steps away!
Additional Notes: This location is a great study spot if you’re looking to have some ambient background noise while you work. It’s also great if you have a lot of work to do since you can get refills on caffeine and there are lots of outlets to recharge your devices. It can get pretty loud and busy when classes let out, but once that rush dies down, it’s fairly chill. I will say that there are limited seat options, so try to go early in the day to make sure you snag a spot. My biggest issue with this study spot is the fact that it’s closed on the weekends and after 3 pm on the weekdays!
The Bat cave
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
Noise Level: 2 out of 5
Nearby Snack Options: There are vending machines in the area as well as the hot dog cart in the parking lot if you don’t mind leaving the building!
Additional Notes: The bat cave is one of the most underrated spots on campus in my opinion—it’s a total hidden gem! For those of you who don’t know, the bat cave is what people call the floating hallway between Simard and Hamlin. It has large windows that let in tonnes of natural light and some plants that create a perfect vibe for those of you who like studying in natural life or around greenspace. It also has a variety of comfy egg chairs and traditional tables. There aren’t a lot of seats, but given that not many people know about this spot, you should be able to find a seat! PSA: It’s closed on the weekends.
crx 2nd floor
Overall Rating: 3 out of 5
Noise Level: 2 out of 5
Nearby Snack Options: There are a few food places one floor down (including the always-busy Tim Hortons)
Additional Notes: CRX is a huge building known for its many study spots, but my go-to place here is the study room on the 2nd floor. You can find it by going all the way to the end of the hallway and looking for the room with glass walls! It has cubicles, big tables for group work, and comfy chairs which give you a lot of options to choose from. It’s been quiet every time I’ve gone, however, the hallway outside of the room can get pretty loud and busy (especially when class is letting out or starting). It’s a really convenient location if you’re looking to do some work before class since CRX is connected to most of the buildings on campus.
Morisset 4th floor
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
Noise Level: 1 out of 5
Nearby Snack Options: There are vending machines on the second floor of the library, and tons of food options in the connected UCU building including Bento Sushi and Pivik!
Additional Notes: I know some people have very strong opinions about the library, but hear me out!! Although it has its flaws, this study spot is over-hated in my opinion! There are always seats available, it’s super quiet which is great for those of us who need silence to study, and it’s open basically all day. While it does look like a concrete prison, this just motivates you to get your work done faster! I love this spot if I need to concentrate or cram since there are no distractions.
Next time you’re searching the campus for a place to hunker down and do some work, hopefully, these reviews will help you out! Everyone has a different ideal working environment so it’s important to find a study spot that fits yours. Happy studying!