We are back, baby! Well, not quite. At least not quite in the way we would prefer. It would be much better to be able to walk you through our library and welcome all of you in a warm embrace, but that is not possible right now. We need to be flexible, and not all of us can stay indoors studying away together at the library like we did before, but here are some options for study spaces on campus you can safely hang out at. Check it out!
Disclaimer: the contents of this blog and advice given were true as of 15th October, before the new national restrictions and lockdown were announced. For current guidance, check out the university and the library website here.
Library study spaces
The Library is still open and welcoming, albeit in a slightly different way. Opening hours are now different, from 8:30 to midnight, and an effort was made to keep the individual study spaces safely apart and keep to social distancing guidelines. There are some group study options, but these are only possible if we follow social distancing guidelines. There are a limited number of computers, increased security measures and controls, but it is still possible to get books out, work together when necessary, and there are dedicated silent study areas in the upper floors. Check out the availability of all study spaces on campus through the new Study Space availability tracker before you get to campus through the traffic-light system.
If you’re on campus in between activities and you’ve got an hour or two where you want to dial into your next lecture, you can do this so long as you use headphones and are aware of your surroundings. We appreciate that not everyone has the right infrastructure at home to attend online lectures, so the library is also open for those who need it.
However, if you fancy a different work-space to the main library, you have options! Check out a few other locations you can go to safely study and work comfortably.
Learning Grid Rootes
As the name suggests, Rootes leaning grid is in the Rootes building. There are approximately 94 study spaces available, mostly individual study spaces but also some socially distanced soft seating areas as well. Opening hours for the Rootes Learning Grids are 08:00 – 22:00.
The opening hours are 8:00 to 22:00 for the Rootes and University House Learning Grids and for the Biomed Learning Grid which, however, has reduced opening hours on weekends, from 10:00 to 18:00.
Learning Grid, University House
University House Learning Grid has approximately 86 Study Spaces available across the ground floor. This study space is an individual and quiet study space only. Opening hours are 08:00 – 22:00 daily.
Biomed Grid
The Biomed Grid is located on Gibbet Hill Campus with approximately 17 study spaces available. During term 1 the opening times are Mon – Fri 08:00 – 22:00 and Sat –Sun 10:00 – 18:00.
Leamington Spa Learning Grid
Back in Leamington? Never fear, our Leamington Spa Learning Grid is also open, albeit with limited opening times and social distancing in place. The opening times are 12:00 to 22:00 on weekdays and 9:00 to 17:00 on weekends. In this Learning Grid there are only 17 study spaces available, plus 7 computer spaces, individual only, and bookable, so get ahead of yourself to plan your visit.
PG Hub
The PG Hub has moved, it is now at the Junction building. It is a good place to safely study while social distancing and avoiding the crowds.
The opening times are from 9:00 to 20:00 on weekdays and 9:00 to 19:00 on weekends.
Check availability through the Study Space Availability Tracker, as there are 88 study spaces available, a mixture of quiet and individual study areas. Please note, this is a Postgraduate Student Only study space.
We are aware that people might not have the living conditions, infrastructure and mental space at home to study, but if you can avoid the crowds and stay home, by all means, do! Protect yourself and others. That being said, the library is open and welcomes those who need a safe space to study at. Here’s to hoping we will get through this winter together and come out the other side stronger and smarter!