a definitive ranking of places to study on campus

a definitive ranking of places to a definitive ranking of places to study on campus study on campus words by: flynn wedd

authored by a jaded law student

Over the last three gruelling years that I’ve been spent at this university, I have always struggled finding the right spot to study – until now. Enjoy.

9. unibar

8. hub level 4

As the popular adage goes, “never mix business with pleasure”. This should ring especially true for those who have ever dared to study at the Unibar. Too many times I have been studiously attending to my homework, only to receive an invite to share a beer at the Unibar. DO NOT GO. You will regret it. One beer will turn into seven, and next thing you know, you’ve missed two compulsory tutorials and you’re contemplating whether you should attend your third absolutely sauced. Anyone who claims they can successfully study at the Unibar without being peer-pressured into getting a jug is a liar.

I admit it, this was my go-to study spot in my first year of uni. If you’re foolish enough to study here, you’ll likely spend what feels like an endless epoch searching for an available table. Even in the rare event that you’re successful, you’ll find that the table is tiny and inexplicably sticky. Would not recommend as a study spot if you don’t have a pair of noise cancelling headphones to block out the incessant commotion caused by the line at Taste Baguette.

7. ligertwood

Ah yes, our beloved Liggy. I will probably be ostracised by my fellow law students for placing this one so low on the list – but I assure you, I have my reasons. First, the building is some sort of ugly Frankenstein mix of mid-century and contemporary gothic architecture (not to mention the gross pebble veneer cladding). But more importantly, the underground study spaces are simply devoid of life. While I have rarely ventured down to the Liggy dungeons, each time I do, I endure a sensory onslaught of stale air and glaring fluorescent lights. I still recall my first occasion studying in the Liggy during SWOTVAC and wondering why everyone down here looks so miserable. Seriously, the stress in the air was almost palpable. Although, it isn’t all bad. The people that populate the interior of the building are some of the nicest and approachable people I know (not to mention the glorious coffee from St. Raphael’s cart).

6. HUB LEVEL 3

Unless you enjoy sitting on chairs with miscellaneous stains and vending machine coffee that sits in your stomach like a biohazard, I’d advise you study elsewhere. For the select few that are somehow able to book one of the study rooms without getting kicked out by some arrogant high school students – I hope you enjoy the poor ventilation and nauseatingly bright wallpaper.

5. MEZZANINE

Studied here once in late 2019. This place has an ambient room temperature of about 70 degrees Celsius. I’m aware that hot air rises and all, but seriously man wtf. This place is a furnace. Please do not study here on a hot summer day – you will not be able to focus. Perhaps my opinion would be more favourable if I had tried studying here on a cooler day – but until that day, I’d advise studying elsewhere.

4. BARR-SMITH LEVEL 1

If it wasn’t for constant wi-fi outages, this place would be higher on the list. A genuinely good place to study. Plenty of sequestered study spaces for those who value their privacy and peace and quiet while studying.

3. BARR-SMITH LEVEL 3

My most frequented study spot. The recent renovation has provided new hardwood tables, plenty of charging ports and chairs with actual lumbar support (if that’s important to you lmao). I am particularly a fan of the tables lined along the windows, offering views of the Barr-Smith lawns and Union House. Best of all, this space is open 24/7. Would highly recommend this study space to all.

2. OUTSIDE

This one might be a bit polarising. If you are a nature loving, outdoors enthusiast then I’m sure this is the right fit for you. On the other hand, if you are a vitamin-D deficient ghoul – the chances are if you’re a law student you probably are - then I’m afraid this might not be the spot for you. There are plenty of outdoors study spaces at our university, most notably the tables on the Maths lawns and of course, how could I leave out the outdoor tables at the Liggy courtyard. Personally, my go-to outdoors study spot is between the Physics building and Radford Auditorium (the table beneath a large tree).

1. READING ROOM

This is it. The objectively best study spot on campus. Need I explain my decision any further? I mean, just look at it. You’re surrounded by a wealth of knowledge on all sides and you’ll never be without company, with the likes of Sir Douglas Mawson and Lord Howard Walter Florey glaring at you from the walls. Granted, studying here requires the highest level of stealth, as even the slightest movement will be reverberated across the entire room, prompting vengeful stares from fellow students. Also, given the lack of climate control in the building, during the colder winter months you would be prudent to wear extra layers. Apart from that, this spot really is the best place to study on campus. In fact, I’m so confident of my decision that I guarantee if you study here regularly you will receive constant HD’s.