Have you ever thought about what type of studier you are and how this may impact where you like to study? There are so many different places to study on-campus that it can take some time to find the right place. You may even find, like us, that there isn’t one just one place that you like to study; it may vary depending on the subject or mood. Regardless of how much you move around, it is important to know which places have the best atmosphere on-campus. This is why we’re here to help.
Thode is probably the place for you. This library is large, spacious and has a ton of places to sit. The first and second floors are filled with communal study areas where you can both work and chat with friends. The basement, however, is a silent study for those who need it. This is the Science and Engineering library (though anyone may use it, like any other library at Mac). Just like the students who use it, it’s busy.
There is a cafe in the library and it’s only a short walk to Mini Mac, a store on-campus that features a Tim Horton’s, a pita restaurant and lots of snack options!
This is one of the busiest libraries during exams. While many folks may enjoy the background noise or study alongside a group of friends, it’s easy to fall prey to these distractions in lieu of studying effectively, so be careful!
If you need to be in an aesthetically pleasing and tidy environment, and also need silence, the Health Sciences Library is the place for you! This library is stunning; the furniture is comfy, there are plants, big windows and the vibe is quiet and peaceful. Side note: if you aren’t in Health Sci that’s okay! This library, along with all of the others is open to everyone.
Williams Cafe!
When we say silent, we mean silent. While we personally like a little noise, we acknowledge that this might be a plus for some of you! Just don’t try to eat a bag of chips here… they’ll notice.
Another fun option is the Michael Degroote Centre for Learning and Discovery Atrium (or as everybody at Mac calls it, the MDCL atrium.) This place is super aesthetically pleasing. There’s literally a waterfall. It’s also a very quiet area and it’s absolutely perfect if you have classes in MDCL.
It’s not usually very busy and it’s right next to a little coffee shop with a self serve Tim Hortons called Cafe One. Plus, you can flip a coin into the water for good luck.
There are no actual desks, so your options are limited to the benches and the floor.
This little hidden gem, which is in between Togo Salmon Hall and the DeGroote School of Business, is a small and humble library. It features spaces for both silent study and light chit chat. Innis is the golden mean of libraries; it’s quiet but isn’t too quiet, and it’s comfy without feeling like your living room. It is the smallest library on campus, but definitely has a lot of charm.
It is located in the middle of McMaster’s campus, so it’s close to everything.
Since it’s a small library, it can be hard to find a seat in the afternoon.
If you like studying in groups, we really recommend studying in the study rooms, found in every library. These are great because you still have some privacy because you may shut the door and be a little noisier with your study buds (but not too loud because you may disturb those around you).
You can also take advantage of the whiteboard or chalkboard.
You can choose the closest building to you that features tutorial rooms and there are probably windows and nearby places to eat or grab a coffee.
You can only book the study rooms in two hours intervals.
If you prefer to study in an area that’s not too quiet, but not too loud, Mills is the place for you! Mills is also a little chatty, but the noise level is not quite as high as Thode. This might seem similar to Innis, however, in Mills the higher the floor the quieter the space, with the 6th floor being silent study. Mills is also larger! This library feels calm and relaxed, but not too calm and relaxed. It truly is a perfect medium.
This library is super close to Starbucks, a cafeteria called La Piazza, and a Hot Dog Cart called Willie Dog.
Sometimes it’s difficult to find spots. Also, sometimes groups of people are a little louder than a happy medium.
We’re sure you will figure what type of studier you are soon, but we thought it might be fun to introduce you to a few study spots that we have used throughout our undergraduate careers. A lot of times, first-year students make the mistake of doing a lot of their work in their bedrooms. Studying in your room might sound like a good idea, but if you’re anything like us, you’ll just end up sleeping. Ultimately, we just hope that this list gets you excited for when you arrive at Mac.
I’m going into my third year of Arts & Science with a combination in Philosophy.
I’m going into my fourth year of Social Psychology with a minor in Sociology.
I just finished my undergrad in English and Cultural Studies with a Minor in Women’s Studies. In September, I am sticking around at Mac to start my Master’s in Cultural Studies and Critical Theory.