Did someone steal your ‘go to’ study spot at uni? (How rude of them!) Fear not, as you’re in for a treat.
In this blog post, we’re spilling the beans on some of our favourite study spots you can steal this swotvac. They say sharing is caring right?
In no particular order, here are 15 of our favourite study spots:
1. Top floor of Biomed
If you like having your own table to work on, this is the place for you. You’ll find many individual desks up here and it’s generally dead quiet here (it’s a designated silent zone).
However, bear in mind that there are limited powerpoints. Try to find a desk that’s close to a powerpoint if you want to survive your time up there.
2. Third and fourth floor of Baillieu
There are tons of seating on these two levels and you’ll usually find a spot to study here. Although there’s the occasional loud mouth, these areas are generally pretty quiet.
As for powerpoints, there are only a few tables that are fitted with powerpoint outlets. Do look around though because there are sometimes powerpoints hidden away under desks or by walls. Plus, it’s super warm and toasty up here.
3. Ground floor of Baillieu
It’s worth noting that the ground floor is also an okay place to study if you don’t mind a bit of background noise. Sometimes the odd school group may come in for a tour and it’s like you’re in the middle of a stereosonic concert, argh.
Although you may see little flappy things on the floor that usually have powerpoint outlets in them, IT’S A LIE. We’ve been heartbroken a few times when we’ve opened the flappy things only to find no outlets there. It’s like getting to the end of the rainbow and not finding a pot of gold waiting for you. Devastating.
However, the desks behind the info service desk on the ground floor of Baillieu are fitted with powerpoints (hallelujah).
Side note – you know where’s not a good place to study in the Baillieu? In the basement. It tends to be loud and rowdy here, but if you’re happy to study with a bit of noise and with the freedom to chat with friends – this is the place for you.
4. Rowden White Library
If you’re looking for a more relaxed environment to study in, try Rowdy (2nd floor, Union House). Although there’s usually music in the background and there aren’t many desks – the Rowdy is generally pretty quiet.
They’ve got comfy chairs so it’s a great place to sit back and get some readings done. PCs and macs are available to use, plus if you need a nap – you’re only walking distance from their bean bag room.
5. Tiegs Museum
This museum is a cosy and dead quiet place to study if you don’t mind being surrounded by dead animals. Powerpoints are available, however you may get a sore back because there’s no backrests on chairs.
The museum is open sporadically – no one really knows the opening hours – but you can try your luck. You can find the Tiegs museum on the 1st floor of the Zoology building (or now known as Biosciences 4 *rolls eyes*).
6. Architecture library
If there’s an award for the most powerpoint friendly library on campus, the Architecture library wins it, hands down. It’s the newest library on campus and you’re almost guaranteed to have powerpoint access wherever you sit in the library.
In saying that, there’s a stretch of tables on the bottom floor that have weird powerpoint outlets and you can’t plug your everyday charger in there. It’s silly, and a waste really.
There are plenty of great study spots in this library. Although the signage isn’t clear, the bottom level is a designated quiet study area – give this area a shot.
Not many know about this – but on the bottom floor, there are individual desks tucked away in between the rows of shelves towards the ends of the floors. These tables are highly sought after because they offer some privacy and you get exclusive powerpoint access.
Bear in mind that as this is a small and very popular library, seating is scarce. Arrive early to get a seat! The only downfall with this library is that the ventilation is poor.
7. The entire Architecture building
Like the library, this entire building is very powerpoint friendly. Lots of seating available here with a casual study environment. Although it’s frowned upon, this is also a great place to have wheely chair races after hours ;)
Do venture upstairs! There are a range of different seating upstairs that are great for group work, when you’re studying solo, or if you want to stand and study.
8. The student lounge in Baldwin Spencer
This is a super casual area where you can do readings and have a chat with friends. This is located on the ground floor, and the best way to get here is from the entrance near the Architecture Building. Be warned that Uniwireless doesn’t really work here.
9. Ground floor of the Chemistry Building
You don’t need to be a chemistry student to use these study spaces! There’s lots of computers available here, a number of desks, and it’s powerpoint friendly too.
It’s not the largest area but it’s definitely cosy and intimate. But bear in the mind that Uniwireless isn’t the best in some areas of this building. More info about these areas in this post.
10. Top floor of Giblin Eunson
The Giblin is one of the newer libraries and it’s super powerpoint friendly. Although it’s a small hike from the main campus, it’s worth it. There’s a mix of communal and individual desks up here, and it’s a silent zone.
11. Law Library
If you want a study spot with a view, this is the library for you.
If you’re a Law student, or doing any breadth subjects offered by Law, you get exclusive access to the discussion rooms too. There are 16 discussion rooms available and you can book for three hours at a time. If you’re organised, you can get each member of your group to book the next three hours and end up with a longer session if needed.
More info here: http://go.unimelb.edu.au/pp3n
12. ERC entrance
If you’re looking for a casual space where you can bring food and drinks in, try the study area just at the entrance of ERC on the student centre level, opposite that coffee shop. Be warned that it can get too loud in here.
13. Level 1 Eng Building
If you dare, venture up to Level 1 of the Engineering Building where you’ll find a lounge area with desks, couches and a few computers.
14. Dr Dax
Dr Dax is a good place to study if you’re looking for a casual environment with food and coffee available at an arm’s distance. Morning and evenings are the best times to study there, and it’s absolutely chaotic during lunch time.
15. Ground floor Arts West :'(
Okay, we know this tip is redundant as this space no longer exists, but we’d like to give the ground floor of Arts West a shoutout. Such a pity (and a huge waste) that this was knocked down considering it was only recently renovated.
There we have it – those are some of our favourite study spots around campus! Know of any other great study spots? Please add them in the comments below.
– Your Unimelb Adventures crew
p.s. If you’re looking for a list of quiet study areas in libraries, check out this blog post.
Unimelb Adventures 
Don’t forget Frank Tate building.
Great guide, will be very helpful this SWOTVAC period :) Just wanted to mention that Rowdy is on the 2nd floor of Union House, not the 3rd
Thanks for picking that up! I’ve changed it now :)
Student lounges on levels 1-5 of the Spot! Usually very quiet during SWOTVAC even though the Giblin Eunson library which is almost literally next door is full and bursting at the seams! Plenty of power points AND generally pretty quiet but expect a small amount of chatter.
Are there any study spots where once can study and stand?
Yes! The upper levels of the MSD have higher desks that are suitable for standing, they overlook the main study area below.