The new SLC is fantastic, but soon enough it will be just as crowded as anywhere else on campus, and you’re still going to need a place to drop everything and bury yourself in your books. Let’s face it. We’ve all been there. You’re in study mode, but looking for a quiet spot to help you focus and get motivated can be tricky at a school that’s located right in the heart of downtown Toronto, especially with our cold Canadian winters to keep us company. Our older buildings, like POD (whose view is pictured above) are still great study spots- and Her Campus Ryerson has got you covered! Stick with us to find out (some of) the best places to study on and around campus.
1. The Library BuildingI know sounds pretty self-explanatory, but I don’t mean just any floor of the library building. Sure, if you need to use the computers or work on a group project, the first floor of the library building is a great place to get to work.But if you’re looking for a quieter (and more importantly, less crowded) study spot, anywhere from the 7th floor and up of the building provides for an emptier and quieter space. Not to mention the staff takes studying so seriously, there are absolutely no cell phones or headphones allowed on these higher up floors.
2. StarbucksThe Starbucks right up on Church/Gerrard is a great place to get out your books. Considering it’s location (right near Sally Horsfall Eaton Centre, Eric Palin Hall, Kerr Hall and the Rogers Communications Centre), you can quickly get up and go. Plus, you’ve got an excuse to get your Starbs fix for the day! (Editor’s note: There’s another Starbucks just a block away as well, at Yonge/Gerrard!)
3. Balzac’sAnother great coffee spot, and this one’s right on campus! Grab a drink, take out your laptop and get to work, because with the amount of space available at this spot, you’ll be able to study for hours on end without any disturbances!
4. Student CenterAlthough the student centre seems to constantly be abuzz, the bottom floor of the building has couches, which provides for a great place to get your brain in study mode. (Editor’s note: Podium has couches on the main floor as well!)
5. Oakham CafeThe warm, small and cozy atmosphere of this petit restaurant makes for a great study grind during the cold, winter season. Grab a snack from their diverse menu and take a seat! -And remember, tip well!
6. Rogers Communications CentreRemember the building at the end of Gould street? The one across the Metro? Yeah, that’s the RCC. The good thing about the building is that it’s fairly quiet. Head up a flight of stairs and you’ll find yourself in the middle of a fairly quiet hall. Perfect for note-taking!
7. Kerr Hall/Victoria BuildingThis may be unknown to most, but when classes aren’t in session, there are actually certain rooms that students can head into to study. And because not many people know about it, it makes for a great quiet place.