If you’re going to study at Carleton, the library isn’t your only option. Actually, it’s now become my least favourite place to “lock-in.”
With studying increasingly taking up my time — often overflowing into my daily routines — getting back into the swing of things this semester has been challenging. I’ve found it helpful to carve out time to be productive by getting out of my room and into a less distracting environment.
To test this theory, I spent an entire day on campus tracking down the best locations to study at Carleton. I’ve carefully analyzed and ranked them based on their pros and cons.
The verdict is in: here are the top five best study spots on campus.
5. Nideyinàn’s fourth floor lounge
Nideyinàn offers a couple of prime study locations, but this one in particular is both comfortable and spacious. With plenty of large tables and lots of seating, the area has room for more than just a couple of students. If you’re someone who loves to study in groups, this is an ideal location for you. Each table has multiple outlets for charging, and both booth-style or open-style seats are available.
Fair warning: you should try to snag a spot as soon as you see one. This lounge fills up quickly.
Another more urgent warning: people like to take off their shoes here.
I ended my day at this location, and you could definitely tell that some people had long days of tunnel walking.
In my hour and a half of studying here, I watched three people take off their shoes to sit comfortably at the booths. For the sanctity of all Nideyinàn lounge-frequenters, I humbly beg you to keep your winter boots on.
Regardless, I still got one journalistic story written and my productivity levels remained intact.
The Starbucks right next to this study spot is either a bonus or an inconvenience depending on the kind of person you are. On one hand, it’s very convenient to be able to get coffee, tea or drink of your choice while studying, but this does also make the environment a bit louder than the fifth floor of the library. So, if you’re someone who likes complete silence while doing your work, this might not be the location for you.
4. Third-floor Richcraft Hall window side tables
This location would have ranked closer to the top of my list had charging outlets been more accessible to students.
Even so, the large glass windows provide the perfect scenic view of the Canal. Whether it’s running water or the frozen still stream, it’s nice to be able to look up from your work while surrounded by nature.
Nature isn’t totally stuck behind a window, either, because if you glance behind you, the vibrant plant wall adds extra light and makes the atmosphere feel more airy.
This refreshing quality leaves you feeling productive, so it’s frankly tragic that after an hour or so you’ll have to move because your laptop is about to die.
Starting my day at Richcraft around 8 a.m. was a perfect breath of fresh air, and I would have stayed here all day had the low-power notification not graced my MacBook screen in the middle of a fill-in-the-blank style online module.
The other downside to this location is the lack of snacks nearby. If you’re like me and need coffee to do your work, make sure to either stop by an on-campus coffee shop on the way or make your own at home.
3. Rooster’s Coffeehouse
I like to flip-flop between Rooster’s and Nideyinàn’s lounge, but the lounge doesn’t provide the same affordable food pricing and drink options as CUSA’s coffeehouse.
Well, if you’re ordering coffees it’s affordable. Maybe wait until a discount day to get your hands on a latte.
I ordered a matcha latte and breakfast pita to try to get through some readings at noon. I’ll be the first to say that a good sandwich can get you through anything.
Don’t worry if you don’t get here in time for a booth with charging outlets, as there are usually some empty bar-style seats with plenty of charging outlets.
This is also a social location, perfect for working on collaborative projects or studying with friends.
There’s a variety of seating types including comfortable couches by a large window that overlooks a walkway leading to the library, round and square four-seat tables, individual bar seats and booths that I’ve seen accommodate up to six people.
2. Nicol Building
Nicol Building is the perfect spot to feel productive when studying alone.
After spending a decent amount of time at Rooster’s, I was ready for peaceful alone time.
My suggestion? Scoot over five feet to the Bridgehead and get yourself a “lock-in treat” and retreat to one of the top floors. Then, find a spot near a charging outlet and just people-watch for about two minutes.
Watching people being productive recharges my own motivation battery. I think to myself: “Well, if everyone else is studying at this hour, I guess I can too.”
Once you’ve gotten that far, all that’s left to do is get started on your to-do list.
With my Bridgehead coffee in hand, I completed a short assignment, then headed to my next location.
1. Loeb Lounge
While I’ve loved every location on this list, I can’t say any of them top the study spot tucked by the juncture between Loeb and Southam. Here, you’ll find an all-nighter’s paradise — not that I’m encouraging you to dysregulate your circadian rhythm!
It may be a bit of a walk, but once you get there, there’s really no need to go anywhere else.
Here you can buy snacks and drinks from vending machines or the Loeb Cafe if you get tired, hungry or thirsty. Along with this, you can purchase meals from both Tunnel Junction and Bridgehead if you’re alright with walking a couple minutes to get to the library.
Loeb Lounge offers comfortable group seating or booths which can be used individually. You can also use whiteboards for an in-depth study session.
I definitely spent the longest time here. I got almost all of my readings done and lost track of time sending out emails.
Honourable mentions
- Southam’s second-floor seating
- Tunnel tables between Richcraft and the Health Sciences Building
- Canal Building Tunnels
Ultimately, you decide what suits your needs best.
The key to effective studying is perfecting the things that you can control, one of which being your environment. Sometimes, all you need to have that breakthrough “lock-in” moment is the right place.
Next time you can’t stand to be in your room or in a library cubicle, try out one of these study locations on campus.
And if you happen to see me around, well… say hello, but don’t ask about the scattered coffee cups.
Featured image by Spencer Colby
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