Hidden Campus Gems: Study Spots to Help You Power Through Finals
Written by: Bella Kats, 3rd Year Honours BMOS Consumer Behaviour
Photos by: Western Communications
With finals approaching, finding the right environment to focus can make a huge difference. Campus gets busy this time of year, so exploring quieter, overlooked, or more comfortable study spots can help break up your routine and make long work sessions feel a bit more manageable. These are some of my favourite places to study across campus. Whether you prefer bright open rooms, tucked-away libraries, pr some hidden gems there’s something here that can make studying feel a little easier.
Talbot Music Building
Talbot College is a calm alternative to busier spots like Weldon. Large windows overlook campus greenery, creating a bright and relaxed atmosphere that makes studying feel less confined indoors. The Music Library in the building is quiet and welcoming. You can spread your materials out, think, and work without constant interruptions.
Top Floor of Mustang Lounge
(Photo Source: @westernusc on instagram)
The upstairs section of Mustang Lounge is often overlooked, which means it usually has open seating. It’s a comfortable space to settle into, especially if you prefer a quieter environment that’s still central on campus. It has a laid-back feel, being up there feels a little more removed from the hustle below.
Bookable Study Rooms
Study rooms across campus libraries can be reserved in advance, which makes them useful during exam season. Weldon’s rooms are in high demand, but options in Thames Hall and Social Science tend to have availability. These rooms are helpful for group projects or when you want an uninterrupted block of time.
Entrepreneurship Building
(Photo Source: https://news.westernu.ca/2022/05/schmeichel-10m-gift-for-entrepreneurship/)
Known for its modern design, the new Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation offers a clean, open setting with plenty of natural light. In the evenings, the west-facing windows give a great view of the sunset, making it a great place to end a long study day.
Ivey
Ivey’s study spaces are beautiful but can get crowded and noisy during the day. In the evenings, however, the atmosphere becomes much quieter and cozy. The C.B. “Bud” Johnston Library inside Ivey also features whiteboard tables and study rooms, which are especially useful for active studying or group work.
King’s Library
(Photo Source: https://www.kings.uwo.ca/library/)
The Cardinal Carter Library at King’s is a good alternative when campus feels crowded. It offers a range of study areas, from quiet reading rooms upstairs to collaborative spaces and a small café nearby. Its location also makes it convenient for students living off campus in the surrounding neighbourhood.
Huron Library
(Photo Source: @huronuni on instagram)
Although it can be a little tricky to find, the Huron Library is worth the effort. The space has a cozy, almost old-world atmosphere, making it a distinctive change from Western’s larger and busier study areas.
On a Final Note...
If you’re planning late-night study sessions during exams, it helps to know what’s open when you need it.
Weldon runs extended hours in December exam periods and stays open until 3:00 a.m., which is super helpful if you’re someone who studies better at night.
The Taylor Library in the Natural Science building also gets longer exam hours and will be open until 12:00 a.m.
If you’re at King’s, Cardinal Carter Library stays open 8:00 a.m.– 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m.– 8:00 p.m. on weekends during exams, so you still get long, reliable hours even though it closes a bit earlier than the others.
If you ever need a safe way home after studying, the USC FREE Late Night Exam Shuttle runs 12:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. daily, December 9 through 18, which is perfect for getting back without worrying about walking across campus late.
You can also use Foot Patrol services if you are worried about walking home alone.
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