As the Lent term starts and the LSE library shifts its operating hours to 24/7, it is a sign the assessment period is about to start from January all the way to the summer. As you spend many hours studying in the library or at home, this blog will introduce you to three unusual study spots within LSE and outside of the library for a change. You may want to switch your study place from time to time to keep your mind fresh.

1. 1. Shaw Library (Old Building)

Located on the 6^th floor of the Old Building, the Shaw Library is a comfy study spot with an atmosphere close to your living room. The room is relatively quiet with iconic red armchairs. There are portraits of former and current directors of LSE, and even a piano sits in this room.

Pros:

• – Quiet and perfect for focusing
• – The largest canteen in the LSE: The Fourth Floor restaurant is just 2 floors below. You can go quickly step out for lunch and come back to study in no time

Cons:

• – There’s little to no power outlet, so may be inconvenient if you need electricity for your laptop or mobile phone
• – It usually closes early (around 5pm or 6pm) as the room is rearranged for other functional use, e.g., rehearsal of LSE orchestra

3. 2. Central Building

You can find several study spots, whether with your friends or just a cubicle for yourself all the way from the top floor to the 3^rd floor of the Central Building. It offers a nice view from giant glass windows that overlook the campus. The tip is to arrive early (ideally before noon) as the spots fill up quickly.

Pros:

• – Open space with high ceiling, lots of daylight from outside
• – Some of the chairs are the prestigious and comfy Herman Miller™

Cons:

• – The place can be noisy sometimes, as it is not technically a library and is sometimes used for group project discussions
• – A little farther from the cafeteria. The Beaveridge café is on the ground floor

4. 3. Outdoor or open-air study spots on the LSE roof terraces

This may not be practical for everyday use. But you will definitely want to switch to study on the roof terraces on a good weather day. You will find several scattered throughout campus. There are roof terraces in the Saw Swee Hock Student Centre, the New Academic Building, and even in the new Marshall Building. See here for an extensive list of social and green spaces at LSE.

Pros:

• – Study in the sunlight and fresh air. What could be better than that?
• – Help refresh your mental focus

Cons:

• – Again, no power outlets
• – Sometimes the weather can change drastically during the day. Check the weather app before opting for this alternative!

Studying hard is the plan if you want to get good grades, but studying smart is, too. So try these study spots to make your study less boring.