By a fellow first-year student who spent the past few days wandering around campus so you don’t have to.
Stepping onto the UTM campus for the first time is a mix of excitement and completely feeling overwhelming. There is much to do and see. Trying to figure out where your classes are without looking lost is already a huge challenge for first year students. Then, there is the task of finding a spot to sit down, catch your breath, or do some reading. It can feel like a mission.
As a first-year student, I spent my first and second weeks on campus, exploring every building to answer one important question: Where do I actually want to spend my time between classes?
Whether you need silence to work on your readings or a comfortable corner to have lunch with a view, here is my honest first-year tested guide to the best places to study and relax on campus.
The MN Building: From Hidden Balconies to the Grand Hall Stairs
Maanjiwe Nendamowinan (MN) quickly became my building on campus, mostly because it offers two completely different study vibes depending on what you need.
- The 4th Floor Balcony: Overlooking the sports fields and courts, this spot provides a view of the campus that creates an instant sense of peace and calm. It is sunny enough for students to feel the warmth of the day on campus and enjoying the fresh air. It is one of the places to sit back and go over notes.
Tip: Because it is outside, it is only open during the fall and summer seasons. This is why I always suggest having at least two go-to study spots on campus for when the cold weather or rainy days come.
- The Grand Hall Stairs: If you prefer a casual, open-concept “third space,” head down to the wide, open wooden steps in the main hall. It’s a vibrant, welcoming hub filled with natural lighting where you can sit and review notes between classes. Plus, having the Fair Trade Cafe and nearby food options right there makes quick caffeine boosts effortless.
The Kaneff Centre (Innovation Complex)
- The Vibe: Bright, social, and filled with caffeine.
- Best for: Light studying, group catch-ups, and ambient background noise.
The Kaneff Centre offers a balance between a friendly social environment and a practical workspace for students. The highlight of this place is the Rotunda, an open, circular main floor area that is a popular place to gather. It is ideal if you like working while talking to friends, or with background noise. Better there is a Second Cup right next to the study areas, so getting a cup of coffee during a long study session is convenient.
Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre (UTM Library)
- The Vibe: Multi-level, full of resources, and perfect for every type of focus.
- Best For: Deep work, group projects, and zero distractions.
No campus review is complete without the library, but as a freshman, I realized that it’s much more than just rows of books. Spanning four levels, it caters to whatever energy you bring that day:
- First Floor Quiet Space: If you need complete focus time on your own, head straight to the first-floor quiet area to block out the rest of campus.
- Collaborative Spaces & Bookable Rooms: Working on a team presentation? The library features bookable group study rooms fully equipped with whiteboards and TVs, making collaborative projects way easier to manage.
- Upper Stacks: For classic, serious academic focus, the quiet tables nestled in the upper stacks keep you accountable when midterm season hits.
Finding your Own space
Campus can feel huge during these first few weeks, but building a routine starts with finding spaces where you feel comfortable. You don’t have to stay stuck in the main cafeteria or crowd into the busiest lounge. Walk around, test out a new floor, and find the spot that fits your mood for the day.
Got a favourite spot I missed? Let us know in the comments or tag us on Instagram @hercampusutm. We’re all navigating this first year together!