YouAlberta
As exams and midterms are in full swing, there is non-stop studying. Many, like myself, spend longer hours studying on campus. There are countless locations on North Campus to study, but as an arts student, I spend most of my time around the Arts Quad.
Here are just a few of my favourite places to study at night.
Rutherford Humanities, Social Sciences and Education Library
The Rutherford Library is the largest library on campus making it a spacious study option. Whether I want to have a collaborative study session with my classmates or study individually, Rutherford South and North are my top recommendations. Both locations offer a tranquil environment perfect for focused learning and offer options for studying at night.
Rutherford North’s second floor has exceptional seating arrangements that are perfect for accommodating study groups of varying sizes. They offer the opportunity to book group study rooms, allowing a private and quieter designated area for a collaborative study session. Additionally, the higher the floors, the quieter it gets. The quiet zone is located on the third floor, while the silent zone is on the fifth floor.
Rutherford South is located across from Rutherford North. Much like Rutherford North, its South alternative also has a collaborative zone (second-floor foyer) and quiet zone (second-floor reading room), which makes it a great option for students looking for a quiet place to study.
I often study in Rutherford South because I enjoy the historical architectural style. It is also connected to the HUB through pedways, providing me the opportunity to grab a coffee or snack without having to go outside at night. The interior access routes are a great and much safer way to travel when walking between locations at night (not to mention warmer!). Open until 9:30 p.m., the pedways make it easier to get between Rutherford, Weir or the Fine Arts Building. But, for those who spend most of their time around biological sciences and engineering buildings, there are also access routes that make different locations easily accessible. Just remember to have your ONEcard on hand as it is sometimes required to access some predways and buildings after certain times.
John A. Weir Memorial Law Library
The Weir Law Library is another of my top contenders when it comes to studying at night. It offers silent, quiet and collaborative spaces, accommodating any form of study (but be aware that the McLean Reading Room is reserved for law students). Overall, the library is a quiet and prime place to study. Not to mention, there are usually people around, so I am never studying alone at night. But if there is no one around, I always make sure to be aware of my surroundings and follow my instincts in all situations.
If I am ever too uncomfortable to walk outside, I know that Safewalk is a great accessible service tool I have at my disposal. Safewalk is offered by the Students’ Union to provide a free student accompaniment system that sends two people to walk with anyone on or around campus at night. They can accompany you on the LRT and to a variety of other locations within their boundaries. To book a Safewalk, contact 780-4-WALKME (780-492-5563) or fill out the form on their website. If you need assistance outside of Safewalk’s hours, you can call U of A Protective Services to request an escort on North Campus.
Fine Arts Building (FAB)
If you are looking for a study location that is not a library, then look no further than the Fine Arts Building common area. Just like all my other recommendations so far, it is conveniently connected to the pedway and HUB, making the cold weather easily avoidable. It is rarely crowded, but there are usually enough people to the extent that you are not alone. An added bonus is that sometimes you can hear an orchestra practicing! Normally, the background music takes place during the day, not at night, so there is guaranteed quiet if you are trying to avoid unnecessary distractions.
Cameron Science & Engineering Library
Located between the Main Quad and Arts Quad, the Cameron Library is in a prime central location. When I first visited, I was astounded by the sheer silence of the atmosphere. While it provides convenient, collaborative, quiet and silent study zones like the typical libraries, what sets it apart is that from January 8 - April 27, they are offering late-night study spaces, making them open until 1 a.m. Monday to Thursday and Friday to Sunday until 10 p.m.. ONEcard is required for entry. Be sure to use the “buddy system” and study with companions or in areas occupied by others. If you are choosing to take part in the late-night study sessions, don’t forget to carry your ONEcard at all times to avoid the possibility of being locked out — this includes even taking a brief step outside the building for fresh air.
Edmonton Clinic Health Academy (ECHA)
Beyond the arts side selections, I find it enjoyable studying at ECHA, especially within the Health Sciences Education and Research Commons. Upon my initial visit, I was impressed by the modern interior, tranquil ambiance with large windows for plenty of natural light and an abundance of study areas spread across the building. The diverse range of seating options ensures a quiet refuge, particularly during nighttime study sessions. It is also very accessible to the LRT through pedways, making it less of a trek. Moreover, for those looking for a spot to enjoy aromas and a warm meal for dinner, which the library understandably does not allow, ECHA offers an excellent alternative.
As exams are approaching, if you are like me, you are opting to stay later on campus to study. While I feel safe on North Campus, I always make sure to be aware of my surroundings, use the “buddy-system” and trust my instincts in any situation. Each spot aids my focus and productivity, enabling me to tackle my workload effectively, even into the late hours. Whether you prefer to study in Rutherford or Cameron Library, the North Campus has a plethora of study spaces beyond those I have mentioned. Take the opportunity to explore other options that suit your needs and preferences!