Finals are rapidly approaching… and we all know that means it’s time to grind. The only question is where?! Tired of going stir-crazy in the darkness of your bedroom trying to smash out those last 500 words? Wishing you could study with friends but always finding yourself distracted by your surroundings? Feeling too lazy to leave the house but all you can think about is cozying up to watch The Office even though you know you’re not ready for the Econ final at 8:30 tomorrow morning?
Whatever your problem is, look no further! Below is a fully comprehensive list of the Best UBC Study Spots. Whether you need absolute silence, blasting Abba music or busy, bustling background noise, we’ve got you covered for cramming season!
1. The Great Dane
A lover of dogs and great coffee. Stop by the Great Dane for a chance to grab a creamy latte (with a choice of milk ranging from soy to oat) and the potential to run into the resident doge, Lady. The Great Dane will fool you at first with the small entrance space, but if you follow the signs over into the next building, a beautiful little study spot is revealed. The area offers both individual and group tables as well as cushioned benches or traditional chairs. Not only is it a calming space that is kept neat and quiet, but Great Danes bakery is also located inside leaving the room smelling of fresh scones and gooey cookies.
The Best: the sandwiches made on in-house focaccia – the perfect lunch break sustenance!
The Worst: the door is often kept open so make sure to bring a sweater!
Watch out: for closing time! It’s early on the weekends, shutting down at 4 pm so make sure you’ve smashed out your last few sentences or equations by then!
2. The 4th Floor of Forestry
Do you need silence and sunlight to focus? Look no further than the 4th floor of Forestry. A small space only hosting four large tables, the area is very secluded. Only accessible by elevator and rarely frequented by students, it is often deserted. The skylight and soaring ceilings make for a calming study nook. There is also a bathroom just down the hallway and a Tims on the ground level (just close enough that it’s easy to snag an Ice Capp, but too close that all you can think about it that Honey Cruller).
The Best: The beautiful light is a constant (when it makes an appearance here in Raincouver!)
The Worst: As there are limited seats, you aren’t always guaranteed a space
Watch out: The Forestry Building is closed on the weekends for students who are not in the faculty so don’t plan your Sunday study sesh around this space!
3. The nook at JJ Bean
Any space in the lovely upstairs of JJ Bean UBC but the nook is a particular favorite of mine! Tucked away on the immediate right when you walk up the stairs, the little study nook is quiet and secluded while still in keeping with the bustling atmosphere of the local coffee shop. If it’s not available, anywhere in JJ bean is perfect for a day dedicated to studying, serving beverages from green juices to triple shot espressos, they will have you covered. They also offer an array of amazing in-house baked muffins (vegan and non-vegan both) as well as freshly made wraps that they serve with daily soup and salad! Wake up early, snag yourself the spot and camp out for the day while you hammer out an essay or lab report!
The Best: The atmosphere is great here if you like studying with background noise! Whether it’s the smiling barista or friends catching up in the corner, it’s always sure to make you feel cozy and content! The playlists are also a bonus!
The Worst: Though the coffee is excellent and the muffins superb, the prices are not one to make your bank account too happy (that Christmas money from Grandma and Grandpa can’t come sooner)
Watch Out: It’s a sign of a great coffee shop when… there’s a bidding war for the good seats! If you don’t get there early enough, it’s likely that you will have to wait for the best study spaces (like the nook or the tables). Often, you will have to sit on the bar stools until an area opens up.
4. The 20th Floor of Orchard Commons
Orchard Commons is primarily for those first-year students just figuring out where they study best at UBC! If you live in Orchard Commons, got friends there or are good at pretending that you do, head on up to the 20th floor for some focused studying and beautiful views. Not only is the lounge always clean and mostly empty, but there’s also a bathroom outside the elevators, a sink on the lower level and a microwave for when the evening studying becomes too much, and you are in desperate need of some popcorn.
The Best: On clear days, you can look out over the Pacific Ocean and watch the sunset. The bonus; no need to climb back up the Wreck Beach Stairs
The Worst: Because it’s a floor lounge, your gambling on whether or not it will be quiet. If you’re the type of studier that needs your pin drop silence, this might not be your best option.
Watch Out: If you’re not a resident of OC, you can’t get into the lounge without a card meaning that you sometimes have to wait for someone to come in or leave the building: it’s not always immediate.
5. Seedlings Café at Thea Koerner House
Need silence and a calm environment to get s*** done!? The hustle and bustle of sprouts café will not be your scene; there is never a dull moment around. Looking for some great food and a cozy chair?! Then welcome to Seedlings. Located in the penthouse of Thea Korner House near the UBC Rose Garden, Sprout’s community kitchen is the perfect place to camp out at in the morning and stay through lunch smashing out emails and essays. There is always something going on and once lunchtime rolls around, prepare for a swarm of hungry students looking for some warming stew and a famous bite of The Sprouts brownie.
The Best: If you want to feel like your studying at home without actually being home, this is your perfect spot. The coziness of the space cannot be topped.
The Worst: Again, if you come at lunchtime thinking you’ll have your pick of study spaces around the penthouse, think again. If you want a prime seat, you have to get there early and secure a spot.
Watch Out: As I said, there’s always something going on at Sprouts. It’s a lil unpredictable meaning if you need to grind, it might not be the best space for you.
6. The basement level of Koerner Library
For the study bums who need absolute silence…let us introduce you to the basement of Koerner Library. Down two levels and to the left, you will find groups of desks where the potential of disturbance is pretty much non-existent. The basement is isolated, and the desks are completely tucked away. Here you won’t have any distractions or noise; turn off your phone, set your music playlist and get down to it!
The Best: There will be no distractions from what you need to get done; space totally to yourself for hours of focus
The Worst: If you need a little background noise or movement around you, this will make you feel a bit isolated and might cause you to succumb to more distractions than you would normally
Watch Out: You aren’t technically allowed to eat in the library so if you have any food, make sure you’re a lil sneaky about it!