Alternative Places to Study on Campus (or nearby)

As competition grows for spaces in the Main library, and the surroundings begin to become stale, it could pay off to shop around and find a new hangout from which to cry over revision.  Here are a few suggestions to help you on your search for the perfect study zone.

1. BARBER INSTITUTE LIBRARY

Let’s nickname it ‘the barbs’, this alternative study space also has a museum in its building. Not just for art historians, this library is open to all students and undiscovered by many.

2. HARDING LAW LIBRARY

This magical place is mainly used by law students, but they also let the plebs in. Be warned, it’s a bit of a maze, and there is a secret top floor that can be tricky to find. Located in the law building, you need your student ID to get in, so make sure you don’t chose that week to leave it at fab.

3.ORCHARD LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE

Located on the Selly Oak campus, particularly good if you want to avoid campus and running into any recent one night stands. Many will only know it from the ‘findit’ catalouge, as it too has books located alongside its study spaces.

4. LEARNING CENTRE

Nicknamed in my house as ‘the early learning centre’, the learning centre is open a whole hour later than the main library, making it an ideal hangout for the night owl reviser.

5. SELLY OAK LIBRARY

Much ignored by the student population, an unspoken landmark on Bristol road. Not the biggest library around, but still perfectly located opposite the Bristol pear for that losing the will to live break time pint.

6. LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM

Now this really is far from campus, but definitely worth the effort. Make it into a day-trip, bring a packed lunch and make plans to go shopping after the study session. The amazing views and access to all those roof gardens during break time make the trek worthwhile.

7. COFFEE SHOPS: COSTA – UNIVERSITY CENTRE, GUILD; STARBUCKS – MUIRHEAD TOWER

If you love working amongst the hustle and bustle of people gossiping over lattes then the coffee shops across campus will make perfect alternative study zones. Be warned, they fill up fast, but the turnaround is quick, you should be able to grab a seat if you hover long enough and best of all, the squishy sofas are perfect for that all important mid- afternoon revision nap.

Yes folks, it’s what you’ve all been waiting for. THE SECRET OTHER MASON LOUNGE. I was only informed of its whereabouts last week, but obviously this should be number one on the alternative hit list, seeing as its UNDERGROUND. It is especially good if you are hiding from daylight in the face of a terrible hangover.

These are just a few of the many alternative places to study in and around campus. Have you got any more we’ve missed?