Best Study Spots On Campus

Are you sick of walking in and out of rooms looking for the perfect spot to study? Look no further than this list as Section Editor Chantelle Mackintosh guides you through the best spots to study on campus. 

Searching for somewhere to cram twelve weeks worth of coursework before your final exam? Look no further than this list of the best study places on campus, and all their perks! Whether you’re studying individually or with friends, or in need of coffee or a nap, this list will find the perfect resource for you.

16 Macquarie Walk, Waranara Library 

The most popular place to study, for MQ and non-MQ students alike, is Waranara Library. The library hosts areas for all different types of study styles. For individual studies, there are plenty of tables with dividers ensuring individual concentration. However, be warned that these spaces are very popular and tend to fill up fast in the weeks leading up to exam season. If you require further silence, you can book a quiet room for yourself through the library’s website. 

There are also plenty of group spaces, including circular tables and low lying couches on level three and presentation pods on level one. These pods can host up to eight people with power and whiteboard access. You can book this space through the library website. 

There’s also the library café, generally regarded by students as having the best coffee on campus. So if you need a quick coffee or food pick-me-up in the middle of a study-sesh, you don’t have to look far. There are also plenty of tables inside and outside where you can work if you enjoy some café background noise. 

Central Courtyard

Central Courtyard, 1CC, is the literal centre to student life with a food court, bar, pool tables and study spaces. You’ve probably visited this place at least once, if not multiple times to grab some food or swing by a Kickstart stall, but do you know all its hidden features? 

Starting on the ground level, there's the food court, Ubar, pool tables and plenty of seating. This is a great place to pick up something to eat before settling in to study, however I don’t recommend studying on this floor unless you like noise. Most people use this floor to hangout and talk with friends, making it very loud.

However, working our way up to the second and third floor, there are multiple study areas available. In two corners, there are study rooms which are usually pretty quiet and hold different lounges and tables for individual and group study, with some booths at the back. Around the edges of the main floor, there are tall benches and couch booths placed in the walls which can suit one to three people. These floors are very similar in layout and seats can often be found somewhere. Once again, however, it can get very busy during exam season. Both levels also have a microwave if you want to heat up your lunch.

In front of 1CC is the actual central courtyard which provides grass you can sit on, as well as many benches and picnic tables available for use. Behind 1CC is the Macquarie lake which is perfect for outdoor study. There’s plenty of grass space to sit on and shade provided by trees which are perfect to shelter under on a hot day. 

25 Wally’s Walk

One of Macquarie’s more modern buildings was created with study nooks in mind. With six floors of study areas spanning two buildings, there's always a spot available here. 

On each level of building B, there are two study booths diagonally across from the lifts. These tend to fill up quickly (normally around 9:00-9:30), so be quick if you want to snag one of these. 

There are also long tables on each level with many seats, so there’s normally something available here. Building C has many couch areas on each floor in both the main area and the side extension areas at the back. These side areas are not available to students on every floor, so be careful to read all signs before entering. 

On the bottom floor lies Cult Eatery, otherwise known as The Art Cafe, where there are plenty of booths and tables to study at; however, there will be a lot of background noise as this is a popular hangout place. 

18 Wally’s Walk

Adjacent to the Central Courtyard is 18 Wally’s Walk, a multi-faceted building. The downstairs study space holds long benches, group spaces and couches to study on. There are also two microwaves and sleeping pods if you need to nap between classes! While not as popular as the library during exam season, this area can fill up quickly. On the ground level when entering from Wally’s Walk lies Service Connect, your one stop shop for any problem you have. From connecting to the internet to course guidance, their friendly team will be sure to help you out. This level also holds Learning Connect, a free service for all Macquarie students to help with writing, referencing and study strategies. Additionally, there are group and individual spaces scattered across this level. The Student Engagement team also hosts a Breakfast Bar, providing free fruit, tea and coffee for students. 

Across these two floors you can expect a bit of background noise as they are oriented for both individuals and groups, but it is an enjoyable space to study overall.

There’s space for everyone on campus to study. From group to individual, quiet to loud, with food or without, there’s something to suit everyone’s needs. Happy studying!