Five of the best study spots on campus
By Grace Hilton
With the new academic year in full swing and deadlines already looming for many, it’s time to find your perfect study sanctuary. Here are some of the best study spots on campus that are perfect for tackling your next big assignment.
The Main Library
The Main Library is one of the most popular study spots on campus, open from 8am to midnight on weekdays and from 9am to midnight on weekends. Conveniently located in the heart of campus, it’s just steps away from the shops on Oxford Road and within easy reach of lecture halls. Whether you need to do some work before a seminar or power through a late-night study session, this is the perfect place to get it done.
Word of advice: avoid the Blue sections of the library during the day unless you want to spend half your time hunting for a seat! Two of my favourite study spots in the Main Library are Purple 2 and 4, as they give off Harry Potter vibes, especially in the winter. Just be sure to get there early to secure a seat.
Coupland 1 building
I first discovered Coupland 1 last year, and it quickly became one of my favourite study spots on campus due to its hidden and quiet atmosphere. Situated next to the Manchester Museum, it has several computer clusters. During my study sessions, I’ve never encountered more than three students in a single cluster. This makes it an ideal place to study and revise, particularly during peak exam periods.
Even though the computer clusters are designed for Psychology students — given that the building hosts the Manchester Centre for Health Psychology — it is open for use by all.
Alan Gilbert Learning Centre (aka, Ali G)
I was debating whether to put the infamous ‘Ali G’ on this list since, as we all probably know, securing a seat during the day is virtually impossible. However, if you’re more productive at night, this might be the better choice. Don’t get me wrong — it will still be busy, but it’s usually quieter.
With its 24/7 opening hours, several vending machines, and an on-site café and eatery, you can plan your next late-night study session here without worrying about going hungry.
And a little tip for the freshers: please don’t leave your entire Apple ecosystem spread out across the desks and wander off — some of us have dissertations to manage this year.
Eddie Davies Library (AMBS)
While I have not personally visited the business school yet, it is definitely on my list for my next study session. The Eddie Davies Library is based on the second floor of the Alliance Manchester Business School.
The library features a spacious design with lots of natural light, offering numerous computer clusters and study areas. Its prime location above Insomnia Cookies and the Co-op also makes it an ideal spot for studying, allowing you to easily grab a quick snack.
The library is open from 8am until 8pm on weekdays and from 9am until 8pm on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays.
Nancy Rothwell Building (formerly ‘Engineering Building’)
The Nancy Rothwell Building houses Engineering and Materials, featuring over 1,500 high-quality study spaces and six computer clusters, so you’re bound to find a spot to work.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet space to focus or a collaborative area to work on projects with friends, the Nancy Rothwell Building is an excellent place to study. It offers the added convenience of room bookings, allowing you to secure dedicated spaces for group work or individual study sessions.
Although the Nancy Rothwell Building can be quite loud, given that it houses two of the largest lecture theatres on campus, it generally offers more seating options compared to other facilities like the Alan Gilbert Learning Centre.