As midterms and end-of-year deadlines approach, it is time to enter a world of non-stop essay writing and endless research. I have always struggled staying concentrated on my work when I am cooped up in my uni flat, and coffee shops and filled with distractions (even if you get delicious food)! If you are looking for a change of scenery, here are the top 10 study locations on the University of Bristol’s campus. All you will need to do is remember your laptop charger for those long study days!
10. Worsley Chemical Library
Located on Cantocks Close just off Woodland Road, the Chemistry Building’s library boasts a capacity of 224 students. The library offers a quiet place to study with group study spaces, with open access to PCs, and printing and scanning facilities. There is also work space outside the library, in the building’s foyer, and you can take a quick break near the palm temple!
9. Life Sciences Building
While the building technically isn’t a study room in its own regard, the Life Sciences Building main foyer is still a lovely place to study. With plenty of greenery, an abundance of windows, and spacious surroundings, the building feels more refreshing and rejuvenating than most study spots. Located on Tyndall Avenue and with a couple of vending machines (that are cheaper than the ones in Senate House!), the building is super convenient for your study sessions. You can also find a life-size cut-out of David Attenborough to accompany you through your studies!
8. Arts Complex
The Arts Complex is spread across 36 Tyndalls Park Road to 21 Woodland Road, so there are plenty of study spaces along the road. The main quiet study area I use is in 7 Woodland Road, in the display area and outside the B.H05LT lecture theatre. While these areas aren’t designated quiet areas, they are typically very quiet until the few minutes before and after lectures and seminars. My main issue with the study area outside the display area is that the tables tilt very easily with the slightest pressure, which gets annoying when using them. If you do manage to get a space in the sofa cubicles, these are much better and can get quite cosy!
7. Senate House Living Rooms
On Tyndall Avenue, Senate House is a hub for student life, and on the fifth floor, you can find two living rooms separated by a hallway with sofas and window-facing seating. While it isn’t technically a study area, the Living Rooms are one of my favourite places to work on campus. Alongside its stunning views of Bristol, these rooms have a range of seating, from low chairs to massive sofas, and simple tables and chairs, ensuring that you’ll find the perfect study position for you. There are also two microwaves, a kettle and a fridge with milk (including dairy-free milk)! for you to warm up your lunch and make yourself a nice cuppa! The Living Rooms do get quite loud though, so remember to bring your headphones!
6. Arts and Social Sciences Library (ASSL)
Even with its depressing design, the Arts and Social Sciences Library (commonly referred to as the ASS by students!) is a popular space for studying. With three floors of study seats, including study rooms, noise-cancelling pods, and single cubicles, the ASSL has it all. Open 24/7 during most of the academic year, the ASSL has seen students during sleepless nights and painful research sessions. The main downsides are that it gets extremely busy and is often full during deadline season, and the extremely bright lights can make your eyes tired after a while. Even then, with its recent refurbishment, which includes new vending machines, a 3D printer and VR headsets, the ASSL is a great place to work!
5. Senate House Study Centre
On the third floor of Senate House, there is a quiet study area with computers, scanners, and a picture-perfect view over Bristol! At the heart of the university’s campus, Senate House has everything you need for a long study sesh, including hot meals, delicious drinks, and snacks. Even though campus and Senate House can get loud, the study centre has its own separate floor, isolating it from most outside noise. The study space spans the entire floor, making it easy to find a space throughout the day!
4. Hawthorns
Directly opposite Senate House, Hawthorns is a relatively small study place, but that doesn’t make it any less amazing. With large windows that allow natural light in and a bright interior, Hawthorns feels more welcoming than other dingy study areas. Hawthorns, with the support of Bristol SU, also sells £1 soup and £2 bread for lunch! So if you’re looking for an escape from the monotony of seminars and lectures and discover a new study area, Hawthorns is perfect for you!
3. Beacon House Study Centre
Located on Queens Avenue, Beacon House has around 500 study seats for students. Even when full, Beacon House rarely feels congested due to its spacious rooms and large windows. If you need a break from studying, the building has a café that serves coffee, Fairtrade teas, smoothies, pastries, sandwiches, and soup. Having a café in your study area is perfect, especially when you need a quick, affordable pick-me-up in Bristol’s often dreary weather. Beacon House features cubicles, so you will have your own separate study space, which is extremely helpful if you have a lot of paperwork that you need to spread out.
2. Richmond Building
With multiple floors including study seats and computers, the Richmond Building is one of my go-to study spaces on campus! With comfy seating and spacious desks, you can spend hours comfortably studying here. Whilst the Richmond doesn’t have a quiet study area per se, it is still a peaceful place to work with the occasional outside noise or students whispering. The Richmond Building also has the Balloon Bar which, alongside delicious cocktails and pints, sell pastries and hot drinks, and if you brink a keep-cup you should be able to avoid a surcharge for takeaway cups!
1. Wills Memorial Library
Wills Memorial has everything that you are looking for in a study space. Located on Queens Road, Wills Memorial Building is near two bus stops, and is close to multiple cafés and shops for you to grab any snacks or coffees. Wills also has two study rooms, complete with electronic boards, and charging ports. There are multiple computers and printers for you to use as well. My favourite part about Wills is its Gothic architecture. The dark academia aesthetic of the buildings design, almost makes you feel obliged to work and study. While Wills does get extremely busy during exam season, you can book a study space and guarantee a spot if you are a current student!
Now that you’ve found your perfect study spot, all you need to do is organise your study routine and grab a sweet treat to boost your through the assessment period! Check out this guide to perfect your note-taking and make studying so much easier!
Hi, I’m Kirstie! I’m a BA English student at the University of Bristol, with a passion for creative writing. In my free time, I enjoy baking, sewing, and playing the flute.
