The study grind has well and truly begun again after what feels like only a few weeks since Christmas break. If you are in need of some good study spots to get the creative juices flowing, I have compiled the best spaces around campus and Sheffield for you. Each has been rated based on quietness, facilities, distance from other buildings and busyness so you can bear those in mind if you have specific preferences.
Information Commons (IC)
This is a huge library spanning five floors with a variety of spaces such as silent study, areas for group work, and computer rooms alongside typical work stations and comfy sofas. Although there are a plethora of different areas for you to work from, it is often super busy midday onwards so be sure to claim a seat early or come later in the afternoon. This is an ideal place for studying with friends or working on group projects with the informal atmosphere and low hum of noise (some levels have higher levels of noise than others; I recommend avoiding the fourth floor if you want to get on with reading for example). There is a nice cafe on the ground floor to take care of your snack requirements and is close to most of the university buildings.
The Diamond
The engineering hub is an impressive building with great places to power through a to-do list. It has multiple floors with rooms equipped for different needs such as computers, silent working and communal areas. It is quieter than the IC but noise can pick up when it gets busy around lunchtime. It is close to the other university buildings but is a longer walk from the Wave and Bartolome House (10-16 minutes). There is more seat availability than the IC and the cafe serves hot and cold foods which are reasonably priced.
Western Bank
Notoriously known as the silent library, Western Bank is perfect for those students who need complete tranquility when working. Besides having a beautiful view overlooking Western Park, it is great for law students due to its abundance of law textbooks and being a less than five minute walk from Bartolome House. It can get busy at times but there are always plenty of seats. A downside is the lack of a cafe so be sure to bring food and drinks to keep the energy levels high.
Coffee Revolution
A stunning coffee shop located in the Students Union building. The super chill and informal atmosphere makes it a relaxing place to get work done. It can be busy around midday so seats are limited then but weekends tend to be quieter and so do midweek mornings. It is perfect for meetings or a sweet treat to keep the motivation high. It is close to all the university buildings due to its central location and the menu is full of delicious freshly baked goods alongside classic lunch items such as sandwiches and a great selection of drinks.
Cozy Corner
This is not a university cafe or library but is a nice cafe to work in if you are local to West Street. You will not be alone working there either as it is often full of people with their laptops or notepads enjoying a tasty lunch or drink. There are not many seats so it is better to avoid the lunchtime rush and can get loud sometimes. The seats are so comfy that when I do get one, I always spend much more time than I anticipate I will, making me very productive. It is close to the Diamond but quite a walk from the other university buildings so it may be best to go if you don’t have a close gap in your timetable or if you are lucky enough to have a free afternoon/ morning. The service is great and so is their food (I highly recommend the eggs royale!)