Studying for endless hours, surrounded by a sea of desks under fluorescent lighting can wear away the spirit. In the midst of midterm season, these refreshing study spots around campus will remind you there’s a world out there that doesn’t consist exclusively of papers, Apple products, and textbooks.

1 – The Bay Cafeteria:

As long as you can resist the temptation to shop as you climb to the seventh floor, The Bay’s cafeteria offers a cavernous, rustic sitting area with a fireplace and an abundance of wooden paddles and canoes. Bonus: it’s only a 700 metre walk from the Roddick Gates.

GO: For the relaxed, cottage-style vibe and few students. The view alone is worth the trip.

585 Ste-Catherine St W., seventh floor.

2 – Leacock study rooms:

Leacock’s first floor study rooms are open 24/7 (via Arts students’ after hours card access). Instead of spending the night hunched over a desk, try the comfy, padded booths in rooms 111 and 112. Plus, no need to sneak snacks past any security guards—food is allowed.

GO: Because you can talk, eat, and study all night.

Rooms 111 and 112 in Leacock, just past the Snax kiosk. 

3 – Chai Tea Lounge:

A stack of reading seems more conquerable when you’re armed with a mug of Matcha. Chai Tea Lounge offers free Wi-Fi, and lots of electrical outlets. If you get tired of the cupcakes and macaroons on offer, you can order a sandwich (the chicken avocado is amazing) from Cafe Bistro El Mundo next door—they’ll even deliver it to you.

GO: For a relaxed afternoon of studying. Bring at least $5; the tea is a little expensive.

3506 Avenue du Parc.

4 – SSMU Student Lounge:

If you prefer studying in the comfort of your bed, but are more productive out of the house, SSMU’s Student Lounge offers the best of both worlds. Overstuffed couches create a cozy living room ambiance, while plenty of windows allow in natural light. When it gets dark you actually realize how long you’ve been at it.

GO: Early, competition for a full couch is fierce.

First floor of the Shatner Building.

5 – Café Pi: 

Café Pi is not your ordinary coffee shop; it’s a genuine French café. Each Pi experience is different, though chess is always the theme. Watching elderly customers locked in a chess match is enough to keep you smiling, and there’s plenty of free Wi-Fi to go around.

GO: To be surrounded by art, chess, and French banter.

4127 Boulevard St. Laurent.

6 – The Law Library: 

In Nahum Gelber Law Library, you’ll be surrounded by stressed law students; but at least you can be cheered by the fact that you probably have less work than they do—for now. The huge triangular windows and shared tables make it feel grander than a regular library. Just make sure you’re on your best behaviour, unless you like glares from grad students. Avvocato Café is also conveniently located nearby for a quick caffeine fix.

GO: To study like a grad student.

3660 Peel St.

7 – The Music Library: 

Marvin Duchow Music Library’s fifth floor carrels can be used when the assigned grad students aren’t there. Students from outside the music program rarely seem to go here, but it’s worth checking out if Schulich or McLennan are starting to feel like old news.

GO: For a change of scenery; the view downtown is fantastic.

527 Sherbrooke St.

8 – Presse Café: 

Presse Café on Sherbrooke is only about a minute from campus, but you can always find a seat. Its three split-level floors offer plenty of tables, armchairs, and stools to perch at the counter. Bonus for first years: meal cards work here.

GO: For the coffee shop feel that’s super close to campus.

475 Sherbrooke St.

9 – Birks Reading Room: 

Birks Reading Room is a beautiful studying experience. How many other libraries ask you to take off your winter boots? Padding around hardwood floors in socked feet makes for an extremely calming study experience.

GO: To feel like you’re at Hogwarts.

3520 University St.

10 – Library study rooms:

Working with friends can make studying more enjoyable; but when you’re in quiet study areas, whispered conversations are hardly worth the glares and the guilt. Cue the study rooms: they’re available in six of McGill’s libraries, and anyone can book them through the library’s website. It’s surprisingly simple—much easier than using Minerva.

GO: For the freedom to take breaks and actually talk to the friend you invited to the library with you.

Visit www.mcgill.ca/library for room bookings.