Places to study as a Physics student

As physics students we have a lot of work to get done in a week. And doing it all in you accommodation (or at home) can sometimes be a bit of a drag. So here are some of my favourite study spots and my favourite study hack to add a bit more variety to your schedule.

On-campus locations

The Physics Coffee Lounge

While this space can easily be used as a chill area to catch up with friends after lectures, it’s also equipped with computers that you can complete your coding on and a large whiteboard where you can work with course mates on non-assessed problems or revision. It’s a great spot to get help as well, as you can normally find upper year students or even lecturers passing through who might be willing to lend a hand on a problem.

The Main Library

I normally try and use the library either in the morning or in the evening because once the clock strikes 12 that place is packed. But before then I find that it’s a really productive environment because seeing other people work can often be a bit motivator to get your own problems done. The fear of being less productive can really push you!

Teaching and Learning Building

This building has loads of different study spots, from small seats with tables attached, to larger tables and study rooms. It’s still a very central building so is good for in-between lectures if you have a gap in your timetable. Their rooms are great for collaborative work and like many of these stuffy spots, there is a small cafe inside where you can grab and energy drink or coffee to keep you awake.

Off-campus locations

Birmingham Waterstones

Sometimes when I fancy a change of scenery, I take the train into Birmingham town centre and work for a few hours in the Waterstones cafe - plus it gives me an excuse to browse the new releases. I think any cafe can be nice to work in, but the one at the New Street Waterstones is my favourite because you’re already surrounded by books which enhances the productive atmosphere.

Study “routines”

I don’t normally have a fixed study routine, since I always find my self drifting off my schedule, but one thing I really enjoy doing is a study crawl (this is where I decide up to four pieces of work I want to get done and four or five locations to work on them at). Once you start to feel unproductive in the first location, move on to the next one until you’ve got everything done.

I hope these study spots and the study crawl tactic will help!