The University of Bristol has recently launched a “Find a study space” page with information and availability regarding desks and computers across campus, to save you trekking to the library, only to discover it’s totally crammed. Whether you’re a prospective student, a Fresher without a clue or just looking for somewhere new to work, here are the pros and cons of some of the most popular study spaces at the University of Bristol.
The ASS
One of the main social and study hubs on campus, the ASS (Arts and Social Sciences) library is popular with most students.
(Photo credit: the Tab)
Pros:
- Vital to ASS students to find books and sources
- Large café area
- Silent areas, small rooms for group work and more informal spaces where you can talk
- Great location in the centre of campus
- Open until midnight and 24 hours around exam time
- Computers and printers
Cons:
- Café gets totally packed at lunchtime, often forcing students to sit on the floor (no, the new stools haven’t helped)
- Around exam time you have to arrive before 9.30 to guarantee a seat
- Not particularly visually pleasing
- Reputation for being the “edgy” students’ stomping ground
Overall: 3/5
Hawthorns
The Refectory is tucked away through some doors at the back of the Hawthorns cafe.
(Photo credit: abt-unk.blogspot.co.uk)
Pros:
- At off-peak times it can be relatively easy to get a seat
- You can work in the Hawthorns café if the study room is full
- Great location in the centre of campus
Cons:
- Not many seats; at peak times, go elsewhere
- The room doubles up as a cafeteria so around lunchtime the middle tables become unavailable and it gets noisy
- No printers
- It is not officially a silent area (but is often quiet)
Overall: 2/5
Wills Memorial Building
Wills is one of Bristol’s most famous landmarks and is also home to the Law library.
(Photo credit: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios)
Pros:
- Amazing Hogwarts-esque building
- Great location next to cafes, Sainsbury’s etc
- Obvious preference for Law students
- Computers and printers
- Comfy chairs as well as desks
Cons:
- No café area inside, just the small common room
- Slightly further from campus for most students
- Gets very busy at peak times
Overall: 4/5
Beacon House
Brand spanking new Beacon House is up the road from Wills, but has a completely different vibe.
(Photo credit: ukconstructionmedia.co.uk)
Pros:
- New and “clean” looking; think lots of white walls and glass
- Café area
- Silent study room
- Large lower floor for group work which has a less intense atmosphere
Cons:
- Gets extremely busy (are you noticing a trend here?); arrive before 11am to guarantee a seat, 8am around exams.
- Slightly sterile and intimidating environment
- Closes at 10pm
Overall: 3/5
Multifaith Chaplaincy
Home to various faith communities but open to all, the university’s Chaplaincy has a common room great for people who enjoy working in a chilled environment.
(Photo credit: University of Bristol)
Pros:
- Cute and quiet communal space
- Kitchen facilities plus free tea and coffee!
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Garden
Cons:
- Can’t guarantee silence
- Small
- At the far end of Woodland Road; bit of a trek for some
- Often has events on in the evenings so you need to check availability
Overall: 3/5 (1 point for the free beverages)
The SU
The Richmond Building, aka the Students’ Union, is another option for students.
(Photo credit: fgould)
Pros:
- Study areas on each floor
- Balloon Bar
- Convenient if you live in Clifton
- Lovely building and views
Cons:
- Not all seats have plugs which is very annoying
- It gets very busy around peak times and exams
- Further afield for most students; a 10 minute walk from the main campus
- Not many computers
- Not always silent – noise from the Anson rooms, dance studio etc can be distracting
Overall: 3/5
Senate House
The only study centre to be open 24/7 all year, Senate House is convinient for everyone.
(Photo credit: kendallkingscott)
Pros:
- Great location on the main campus
- Free hot water so you can make your own tea
- 2 large silent study rooms
- Open 24/7 all year
Cons:
- Not all tables have plug sockets
- Little space for group work
- No café and only a few small tables outside the silent area to eat lunch or have a break
Overall: 3/5
Common Rooms
Each faculty has its own common room, the location of which varies depending on your subject.
(Photo credit: University of Bristol)
Pros:
- Nice place to relax in between seminars
- Usually has vending machines and mini kitchen facilities
- Good space for group work
Cons:
- Can get very busy around peak times
- Not silent
- Not oriented for independent study – most common rooms have round tables rather than desks for example
Overall: 2/5
With a score of 4/5, Wills Memorial Building Library is our most highly rated study space at UoB. Do you agree?