A Guide to Finding the Perfect McGill Study Space
McGill is one of the largest real-estate holders in Montreal with 80 acres in the downtown area. With all this available space you would think finding a quiet spot to sit and study would be a breeze. Well, you thought wrong.
With more than 40,000 students looking for a table with an accompanying chair, which is a student’s basic right I might add, it becomes an extreme sport. Follow along as I give you a leg up on the competition in the quest to find a viable study spot at the downtown campus during the exam period.
On-Campus Libraries
McGill has 13 libraries all varying in size and purpose. The McLennan-Redpath Library Complex off of Sherbrooke is everyone’s first stop so don’t even bother unless you want to navigate 6 floors of disappointment. If you’re feeling lucky, go through Redpath to get to the underrated Blackadder Library upstairs where you will find enough tables to seat 100 students.
The Octagon Room in the Islamic Studies Library is also a quiet haven unknown to most students. The Marvin Duchow Music Library, the Education Library and the 5th floor of the Burnside Building are also realistic options if you’re travelling in packs. Finally, the Nahum Gelber Law Library might be the quietest place on earth, but I warn you, one too many pen clicks might get you sent home.
On-Campus Seating
If you’ve travelled from Peel to University and still haven’t found somewhere comfortable to sit, it’s time to get creative. If it is a nook or cranny you seek, then the Brown Building on McTavish might be a good start. There are multiple seating areas throughout the building, not to mention the small library in the CAPS office on the second floor.
Alternatively, the on-campus Subway in the Arts Building basement has seating inside the restaurant as well as a study space in the adjacent corridor.
Thomson House, while reserved for grad students, has plenty of seating and a tasty menu to boot. No one is there checking student IDs so just go in and look like you know what you’re doing.
Off-Campus Seating
It has finally come to this; nowhere to go but out. In a case like this, my favourite student-friendly restaurant is the A&W on Boul. Robert Bourassa and President Kennedy. While this might seem like an odd recommendation and I don’t condone filling your body with empty calories, this place is 24/7 and has 2 floors of typically quiet seating.
The Java U on Sherbrooke and Union has a great atmosphere and large tables, and the Second Cup on McGill and President Kennedy has the most seating of any coffee shop in the general area.
University can be difficult but finding somewhere zen to study doesn’t have to be. Just remember to stay positive, always keep an eye on your stuff and buy something at the shop that is accommodating you!
Liked these tips? Follow us on Instagram for more tips on how to best #studywize.
Living on campus? Check out our video on the tips for living in residences.
Related Posts:
Study with Us
The help you need to get the grades you want.
Previous Blog
LSAT Prep Timeline: When to Start and What to Study
Next Blog
How to Study When You Don’t Want to
Other posts you might like:
Studying
What to Do if You’re Failing a Class in College
No one wants to fail a class at college or university, but what happens if you are failing a class i... Read More
L
Lindy Ledohowski