As well as accessing your core textbooks the library is a great place to study or work on assignments either alone or as part of a study group. These tips will help you learn how to study effectively at the library.
Tips for studying alone
Make sure you take everything you need
Before heading to the library make sure you have everything you need such as books, lecture notes, laptop, notepad and pen and something to eat/drink (make sure your library allows food and drink as some have their own rules about what you can take).
If you have your phone with you make sure it does not become a distraction.
Head for the quietest floor
Most university libraries have several floors each with their own level of noise allowed such as:
Noise allowed: You can speak to other people and make phone calls/video calls
Quiet: You can speak quietly to other people
Silent: No noise permitted
Try to choose the quietest floor where you will be able to concentrate on your work (just remember to put your phone on silent). If your library does not have quiet/silent floors try to find a space that is out of the way of other people.
Take regular breaks
Like any other time you spend studying you should take regular breaks to keep your mind active. You don’t necessarily have to leave your desk (although it might help if you get up and walk around for a few minutes. Why not try calling a friend for 10 mins, listening to some music, having a scroll through social media or anything else that will help you to relax for a bit?
Don’t reserve a desk then leave it for long periods of time
Whilst it is ok to leave your desk for a short period of time I.e to grab a coffee, stretch your legs or get some food if you are going to be away for a longer period of time it’s poor library etiquette to reserve a desk then leave for a 2-hour lecture.
Some university libraries have rules about how long you can reserve a desk for and will remove any belongings left on desks after a set period of time.
Tips for studying in groups
Reserve a private study room
Almost every uni library has private study rooms available for students to use. These usually need to be booked in advance to guarantee that they will be available for your group study meeting.
Most group study rooms will have a table and chairs and access to computers. Some may have a projector and a screen and a whiteboard (handy if you are practising a group presentation).
Private study rooms mean you can have group discussions, work on a project together or practice a group presentation.
Choose a floor that allows noise
If a private study room is not available be sure to choose a floor that actually allows you to speak. No point choosing the quiet or silent floors as these are best for individual study. Try to find a bigger table where you can all sit together or group study area if there is one available.
Only take materials and books you need for the assignment
Just like if you were studying alone you should take along notebooks, pens, textbooks, study notes etc. If you are working together on an assignment be sure to have a copy of the assignment guidelines.
Don’t take up space or confuse matters by taking along books or notes from other subjects.
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