Although it is a great central location and popular study spot, it is no secret that Weldon Library can be extremely busy. Trekking through campus, only to be met with loud noise and the task of hunting for a place to sit, is not an enjoyable experience. Hoping to get away from the chaos at Weldon, we dug into the treasure trove of study spots at Western in the hopes of discovering some hidden gems.
Owen: FIMS/Nursing
On a quiet Friday afternoon, I reviewed the Faculty of Information and Media Studies’ (FIMS) joint building with the School of Nursing. With a study partner, we travelled up grand staircases and ended up in a quiet, secluded corner right outside the entrance to the graduate programming space.
Coming from the south side, the location was quite nice: we weren’t in the midst of campus’s hustle and bustle, but still close enough to be accessible to most major destinations. The lack of any food options, however, was slightly disappointing, but our spot being extremely close to a washroom and water fountain made up for it.
However, FIMS/Nursing’s greatest strength is its ambience. All I had to do was turn to look outside the window and appreciate the autumn leaves falling down like pieces into place—a therapeutic view. Leaning over the railing, I could people-watch the entire atrium to take an eye break. Combined with it being a less popular spot, the minimal distractions made for an extremely productive afternoon.
Rowen: Thompson Engineering Building
Misery loves company. And let's be honest, studying isn’t the most enjoyable of activities. So, what better way to spend your time than being surrounded by people who are suffering just as much as you? I present to you the best place to feel better about your sadness: the Thompson Engineering Building.
Engineering students have lots of work, so naturally the halls of the Engineering building are packed with students who have their noses in textbooks. As study groups started to form around me and discussions grew in volume, I found it difficult to hunker down and focus. Thankfully, with a food court located in the building and bathrooms around every corner, I was able to take frequent breaks and regain concentration. The view wasn't too shabby either; glass windows line almost every wall, letting in plenty of natural light to remind you that there exists a world outside of calculus.
Post-studying, you’re only a short walk away from the Rec Centre to take out your anger towards math. And despite the stressful environment, you can always look up and be thankful that you aren’t the poor engineers beside me who have been stuck on the same integral for the last two hours.
Nora: Thames Hall
Woken by the sound of a storm, I was greeted by pouring rain outside by window. Despite the weather proving to be a pathetic fallacy to my gloomy, mid-exam season emotions, I decided to persevere and try a new study spot: the plant wall in the Kinesiology building.
Pitching my umbrella, I began on my journey to the plant wall. Taking a shortcut through the University Student Centre, I indulged in a morning Matcha from Starbucks. From there, out the doors of the USC, I was conveniently within a few hundred steps from my study spot. I entered through the doors on Oxford drive and was greeted by the soft glow of the overhead lighting. I set up my study material at a long, ledge-like table, which overlooks the plant wall. The wall itself is very beautiful — luscious green leaves create an atmosphere similar to being transported into a jungle. I certainly did not feel like I was studying business on a dreary day!
The building was quiet, possibly due to the bad weather which warded off students, or maybe because it is a less popular location. Either way, I ended up being very productive. I worked all morning, and following a quick lunch at Tim Hortons in a connected building, I went back to work with similar results. I absolutely recommend this study spot to students who value convenience (in terms of washroom/food amenities), a quiet atmosphere, as well as wanting to try somewhere unique. There is no doubt that Thames is a picturesque location, and as I looked up at the wall in between work, I knew that this would be my new favourite study spot. I will no doubt be returning in the future.
Brooke: John and Dotsa Bitove Family Law Library
Completing a four-hour Business 1220 practice case in Weldon library is no easy feat. On top of the hefty balance sheets and projected statements, I’m met with countless distractions. Quick “study breaks” turn into hour-long conversations, and a need for a drink means a 30-minute trip to the lobby for bubble tea. Since I was putting myself through the strenuous experience of analyzing yet another set of financial statements, I thought, might as well do it in a new (and hopefully more productive) environment: the Law Library.
I embarked on my journey, umbrella in hand on a rainy Thursday morning. Upon arrival, I instantly felt out of place as I was passed by numerous students sporting their “Western Law” backpacks. Could they tell I’m a first year? Who knows. Regardless, I continued up the spiraling staircase where I was surprised to find the library virtually empty. I was impressed by the beautiful architecture and vast array of books, certainly a nice contrast to Weldon’s endless sea of students and bleak concrete structure.
I hunkered down at a table and began my work. Even as students started filtering into the library, the volume remained low, creating a productive working environment. Being surrounded by millions of books and some extremely focused law students, I felt the pressure to stay focused on my case. Whether you are studying law or simply looking for a change of scenery, I’d highly recommend the Law Library as a place to switch up your study spot.
Weldon is a great place to study, but when you inevitably get tired of the search for a seat, try somewhere new. You might just find yourself discovering more of what Western has to offer. All we ask is that for everyone’s sake, please don’t bring more people to Weldon -- It’s crowded enough as is!