How have your past couple of weeks been? I know many of us have been overloaded with assignments after our midterms so hopefully we’ve all been able to get those done! Over the time between my last blog and this one, I have made it my mission to explore various study spots around campus. So, grab a coffee (or a tea, if you are like me!), and get ready to read for the best study spots on campus and beyond!
1. Joseph S. Stauffer Library- 101 Union St, Kingston, ON K7L 2N9
Stauffer is your typical library. Computers, desks, books, confused people trying to catch up on a week’s worth of modules (oops, maybe this one is just me…). There are various desk types for you to choose from so if you are one of those people who need a lot of space, you have options. But you NEED to get there early because spots fill up quickly! That is one thing about Stauffer, ALWAYS busy. The study rooms are also quite nice, which is great if you need to work on a group project or study with your friends but don’t want to disrupt the rest of the library with your laughter. If you are looking for some sort of board to draw on to explain concepts, most of the rooms only have chalkboards, which can be a little messy!
Overall rating: 3.5/5
2. Bracken Health Sciences Library – 18 Stuart St, Kingston, ON K7L 2V5
Ahhh, I love this place! As a health science student myself, I’m a little biased about this place. If you are looking for a dead silent place to study, this is it. Bottom floor couches. Absolute perfection. I could spend all day there! I love the floor to ceiling windows as well as the plants hanging all around. Outlets are also everywhere so you’ll never have an excuse to procrastinate. They also have some really nice study rooms with comfy chairs, a TV with an adapter for you to project presentations, and a whiteboard. If you are one of these people who need to separate themselves from everyone else to actually get some work done, you need to try the individual sectioned-off desks. When you sit there, it’s literally just you and that assignment. No more distractions!
Overall rating: 5/5
3. Common Ground Coffeehouse - 284 Earl St, Kingston, ON K7L 2H8
Study vibes at their finest. Common Ground is one of the best places to go if you are looking for a social but studious environment. This is the place to be on campus if you want to sip on your coffee and chat with a friend while doing a little bit of work. I will say that there will always be some background noise at this place so it may not be the best for focusing but it does have a beautiful environment! Also, if you ever decide to come here, the bagels are a MUST! That’s a nice positive of coming to work here: endless food supply. There aren’t many seats, though, so if you are planning on going, my advice is to get there early.
Overall rating: 4/5
4. Breakwater Park
The natural environment. As Queen’s students we really should take advantage of the lake we have on campus. I know that since winter is coming, it may be a little cold to sit outside and study here but at least once this school year, I strongly recommend studying here at least once. I loved coming here on those beautiful warm and sunny days to just sit in the sun at one of the picnic tables and go through my flashcards. Downside is the wifi is weak here. If you are able to work on something that doesn’t need internet, or you need to cut off net access to concentrate, you should come. A bonus is that when you are done, you can also take a stroll by the lake and get in some exercise and enjoy the weather. Go alone or with friends: either way, it’s great to get outside and surround yourself in nature.
Overall rating: 4/5
5. William R. Lederman Law Library – 128 Union St, Kingston, ON K7L 2P1
Coming here makes you feel like Elle Woods. You are surrounded by thick books and people who are in that study mindset. It really motivates you to get yourself together and get some work done. A huge plus of this place is that the rooms are very spacious, especially the basement, considering the long tables they have. I find this allows me to get all my stuff set up in a clear way which I think lets my brain sort of declutter and focus on what’s in front of me. It does lack scenic views though, which can sometimes make you feel like you really are just there to study (which is what you are there for, but your brain doesn’t need to know that.). Personally, I don’t come here as often since it is a little far from most of my classes.
6. CRAVE Coffee House – 166 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L 1B1
This is your classed-up coffee shop. With its contemporary style, it’s a gem for Queen’s students. Crave is off-campus, but its comfy couches, large tables, and sleek décor make the trip there worth it! Also, wifi is free here so getting comfortable and working away is quite easy! One of the best parts of this place is their food. Delicious sandwiches, salads, and desserts are always available here which comes in handy when you need to take a break from that math problem that’s been hurting your head for the past half hour. Grab some friends and check this place out, I promise it won’t disappoint!
Overall rating: 5/5
7. Balzac’s - 251 Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L 1B4
European vibes. This café actually makes you feel like you’re in Rome on summer vacation. The traditional yet modern design with the exposed brick is very comforting and motivates you to park yourself and work away. Again, this place is off campus so you will have to do some walking to get here. Wifi is free, so no worries about how much you’ll be able to get done! The food here is amazing too: hand-crafted everything! Espressos, teas, coffees, cookies, croissants, they’ve got it all! My advice is to use the delicious food as motivation. Once all your tasks are done, go right ahead and treat yourself :)
Overall rating: 4.5/5
8. Juniper Café - 370 King St W, Kingston, ON K7L 2X4
Relaxation at its finest. This café faces the lake, allowing you to feel that tranquility and relaxation as you work. Their décor consists of vintage pieces, which you can admire as you work. The outdoor dining may not come in handy now, but in the warmer months, coming here is a MUST. Grab your laptop, order a drink, and sip away until all your work is done. Not to mention, the walk down here is also beautiful and allows you to fit in some exercise. Take a break to enjoy the food and view to re-energize yourself before your next study session.
Overall rating: 4/5
Well, that’s it from me for now! Hope you guys enjoyed my tour of Kingston’s best study spots and will try some of them out if you haven’t done so already.
Good luck studying for exams!
- Noor