Need silence to focus? Somewhere to brainstorm with your group? A spot to join an online class?
Different study needs call for different spaces. Choosing the right spot can help you get more out of your study session – whether you need to concentrate, collaborate or recharge.
If you’re studying at any of our campuses or online, here’s how to find a space that works for you.
If you need quiet focus time
Choose a designated quiet or silent area when you need to read, write, revise or work independently.
Quiet spaces are helpful for:
- individual study
- reading and research
- writing assignments
- exam revision
- focused work with fewer distractions
Some campuses have clearly labelled quiet or silent areas. At Melbourne (Bundoora), for example, Level 1 of Borchardt Library Level 2 is for quiet study and Level 3 is for silent individual study.
If you need to chat, take a call or work with a group, choose a space where talking is welcome so you can focus on what you need to do without distracting others.
If you’re studying with others
Studying with other people works best when you have space to talk things through, share ideas and plan your next steps.
Use group study areas where you can talk freely for:
- group assignments
- planning and discussion
- presentation practice
- study sessions with classmates
Group study options vary by campus, from group tables to bookable rooms and flexible learning spaces.
At Melbourne (Bundoora), Level 1 of the Borchardt Library is the main space for talking and group discussion, and bookable meeting spaces and alcoves are available in The Learning Commons (TLC) next to the Library. Bookable accessibility rooms are also available for eligible students.
Depending on your campus, you may also find other buildings with desks and spaces to study if you are working in a group or are happy with a bit of background noise. For example, the ground floor of HS1 at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus has comfortable desks and booths that are great for a study session between classes.
If you need to take a call or join an online class
If you need to chat in an online class or take a phone call, choose a space where talking is okay. Make sure you use headphones to help you stay focused and keep the space comfortable for others nearby.
Some campuses have spaces designed for online classes, like the Online Learning Zone at Melbourne (Bundoora) and Online Learning Rooms at Bendigo.
If you want to chat, socialise or take a break
A quick catch-up or study break can help you recharge and come back ready to focus. To make the most of it, choose a space where you can feel comfortable chatting with friends.
Across our campuses, you will find social spaces, lounges and outdoor areas for a more relaxed catch-up.
At Melbourne (Bundoora), the Club House in the Agora is a great place to connect, join club activities or take a break to play some table tennis, while The Retreat offers a calming seating, puzzles and light reading.
Study closer to home at a study hub
If you want to save time travelling to campus or study closer to home, study hubs are a great place to focus. Services vary at each study hub, but can include quiet study spaces, free Wi-Fi, desktop computers, in-person support and opportunities to connect with other students.
You have free access to the Northern Study Hub in Broadmeadows and Epping, plus Country Universities Centres across the country.
The Library also offers a range of support online, including help with research, referencing, study skills and finding resources.
Check what’s available at your campus
Every campus is different, so make sure you check the Library page before you head in. You can find campus-specific spaces, floor plans and opening hours there.
Need help?
Library staff can point you in the right direction if you are struggling to find a suitable space.
Everyone needs to follow the Library’s conditions of entry when using Library spaces. If something in the Library is making it hard to study, you can speak to staff in person or contact the Library online.