The time has come. We are quickly approaching two weeks of torture, otherwise known as the exam period. McGill libraries have turned into a battlefield. One must possess a take-no-prisoners attitude, saving seats for friends and providing coffee in exchange for laptop thief lookouts. We shame the snifflers, shush the phone callers and stumble upon at least three cryers a day. Luckily, Her Campus McGill is here to provide you with some pros and cons of popular McGill libraries, and a few surrounding cafes. Who knows, maybe the right location will turn you into one of those people who leave inspirational notes all over the place. Or not.
Humanities & Social Sciences Library (McLennan-Redpath)
Pros:
Amenities include coffee and bagels
Probably the best luck you’ll have finding a spot due to sheer desk space
This is where the puppies are usually brought for student de-stress!
Great location
Open 24 hours during exams
Cons:
You’re going to be in close proximity to a large number of people, so if you can’t stand those people that take off their shoes, stay away
You’ll run into someone you know, guaranteed (whether or not this is a con is dependent upon many factors, one of which being: are they your ex?)
Nahum Gelber Law Library
Pros:
Conducive to staying focused as you’re usually surrounded by older law students
That being said, usually a lower Facebook to actual open book ratio, if other students’ screens distract you
Beautiful, lots of sunlight
Quite Quiet
Has a cafeteria
Close to Second Cup (located in Stewart Biology)
Open 24 hours during exams
Cons:
A bit more of a trek from campus
Not near any restaurants
No eating rule pretty strictly enforced
Marvin Duchow Music Library
Pros:
Potentially really awesome study breaks, as the record collection is extensive
Very quiet
Very bright, huge windows
Closest to Starbucks
Cons:
Less actual study space, you have to arrive pretty early to grab a spot
Limited hours
Closest to Starbucks…
Schulich Library of Science & Engineering
Pros:
Closest to Tim Hortons
More private desk space, as many desks face walls
24 hour access during exams
Cons:
Is that construction driving anyone else crazy? Are they building a library on top of this library?
Birks Reading Room:
Pros:
You get to take your shoes off!
Extremely quiet
Good location
Cons:
Other people have to take their shoes off!
Not the most comfortable seating
Extremely limited hours
Islamic Studies Library
Pros:
Beautiful architecture, if thats of importance to you
Very quiet
Great location
Cons:
Can be considered a little too quiet if you like to sneak in a snack or whisper with friends
Not a ton of seating
Really limited hours
If you require a little human interaction and noise to get through the ordeal, here is a list of a few surrounding cafes:
Chai Tea Lounge
Pros:
Yummy drinks
Great tunes
Comfortable seating
Most who hang out here are studying so it’s not too loud
Cons:
On the expensive side
Really, really busy during exams so you have to get there early for a seat
Cafe Bistro El Mundo
Pros:
Food! Wraps, sandwiches, salads, soups, etc.
Same owner as Chai Tea Lounge, just as student-friendly
Comfortable booths
Cons:
Also gets very busy, early arrival is necessary to grab said comfortable booth
Music can get loud
Typically also non-students eating, so noise levels are higher
Humble Lion
Pros:
Great coffee
Right next to campus
Great tunes
Cons:
Small space
Limited seating
Starbucks
Pros:
Comfortable seating
Large space
They sometimes hand out free leftover snacks at the end of the day
Cons:
A lot of traffic past all of the available tables which can be distracting
Music can be quite loud
Second Cup
Pros:
A ton of tables
Close to campus
Cons:
All of the tables are very close together, you’ll hear your neighbours’ conversations whether you want to or not
Dark lighting
Am I missing some pros or cons, popular hangouts, or have I gotten something wrong? Let me know in the comment section below! Oh, and good luck.