Five Study Spaces You Need To Take Advantage Of…

Fret no more Brisbane students, Social Media reporter Hannah Sbeghen has the solutions to your study space woes before the exams.

It’s nearly time for mid-semester or final exam and you are facing a double-edged predicament, namely seriously needing to study for that exam or seriously needing somewhere to study for that exam.

Whichever one describes you, or even if you’re enduring both, keep reading because I have some life-saving/grade-saving news.

For many Nathan students who were unlucky with their timetables and are now copping a brutal three or four-hour gap between classes, your options are either to rush home and watch Netflix or stay on campus and make the most of your time.

Hopefully you’ll choose the latter and, if so, the good news is that I have a secret to share.

This “gap” represents prime time to catch up on readings or research, or perhaps to think about starting your next assignment. All you need is somewhere quiet to spend that prime time, right? Can I get an amen?

It’s no surprise that the library has a “first in, first served policy” when it comes to grabbing the best tables, but even then the downstairs area can be a bit noisy as a result of groups working on assignments. As for upstairs, the wall-desks can be like a scene from The Hunger Games when it comes to claiming a little space of your own.

Don’t despair, I have some great alternatives…

As a third year Griffo student who has dealt with “gap-trauma”, I’m here for you and I understand. To that end, here is a list of places I stumbled across during my time at Nathan and which you can use in times of study crisis. You can thank me later.

1. The Environment Building

Picture a canopied patio, peace and serenity. This space was my “go to” study spot in winter, especially in the mornings when the sun spills in from the top of the building and yet there’s still plenty of shade to stop the sun becoming over-bearing.

No one is going to bother you here. It’s surrounded by staff offices, so you’re free to be the study monkey you’ve always dreamt of being and can spend hours sitting among the green awnings.

2. The Learning Centre #1

Don’t get frustrated at students for hogging computers in the library. There are other options at Nathan in the form of mini-libraries, or learning centres, that may not have books but are just as resource-rich when it comes to computers and an accompanying printer.

Embarrassingly enough, I didn’t find this spot until my second year and up to then I was always having a rant at students who hogged the computers in the library.

So, if you’re running around like a headless chook because the library is overcrowded and you need to print, this place just might be your study saviour.

3. The library hidey-hole

You know when you’ve tried every study position but your brain still refuses to cooperate? Even if coffee has no effect on rectifying this particular malfunction, there’s a space on the second floor of the library, behind the toilets, that might do the trick.

The room lets in a lot of sunlight and it’s usually quite empty. Most people use this space for group assignments, but then again, lots of people aren’t aware of it at all.

I call it the “outside-inside” of the library and it’s really good for unblocking your chakras. It must have something to do with the light and colour because there’s such good energy there and your brain usually comes back to functioning mode.

4. The Learning Centre #2

This learning centre is the same as the first with regard to computers and printing stations, but it’s a little more chic and suits the student who appreciates a good couch when he or she sees one.

5. Goanna Lounge

You’ve walked past it dozens of times and the name sounds like a cool bar in West End. It’s an icon of Nathan campus, like a giant bed that is calling your name to welcome you in for a sneaky nap. Don’t be shy. Use this space … albeit productively.

For those of you who are like me and like to spread out with your notes scattered around you, the Goanna Lounge is where you need to be. And if there are people actually sleeping in there, which does happen, at least you needn’t worry about noise.

For those of you who read this, you really are the lucky ones and have done yourself a huge favour.

Know any other great study places? Share this blog post and leave a comment.