Exam season is here and of course, there’s a run on study spots making it difficult to find somewhere nice and quiet to study, especially if there are too many distractions at home and the University library is always fully booked.
To make life easier for you, The Northern Times found some alternative study spots in Groningen for you to try.
Groninger archieven
The Groninger Archieven, located next to the train station, is a lesser-known spot, but a good place to study quietly! The Groninger Archieven are open from Tuesday until Friday, so studying on the weekends isn’t possible but their study area has WiFi, computers, scanners, and of course the opportunity to look into the archives. There are different zones in the study area; there’s a collection zone, a project zone and a quiet zone and there is always a a public advisor available in case you need help with research.
Studying at the Groninger Archieven is free, but you do have to book a spot beforehand by getting an archive pass at the reception.
Forum
Besides the University Library, Groningen also has a public library, which is now located in the Forum. There are special study spots available with power outlets, WiFi, and of course all books are within arms reach in case you need to look something up.
The Forum also has study spots on the other levels, there’s even a specific silent area. Of course, there’s also enough to see or to eat and drink when you take a break without having to leave the building.
The forum is located at the Nieuwe Markt, and everyone is free to enter and study there.
Other faculty libraries
If you study at the university, you can of course go to your own faculty’s library, for example, the Harmony building’s library, but you can also go to a different faculty’s library. Becoming more popular are the medical library and the honour’s tower. However, both spots are a bit more difficult to locate.
To get to the medical library you have to navigate through the university hospital, but bear in mind that some medical students may not be too thrilled with students from other faculties occupying their spots.
The Honours Tower is located in one of the towers of the Academy building, of course officially only for honours students, but if it’s not too busy it’s a very aesthetic study spot that gives Hogwarts a run for its money.
Cafes
Cafes are always a good spot to study, especially if you want a more laid-back atmosphere. Recently some cafes have set up rules for people working or studying there, like a small fee for occupying a table, so do check beforehand if you are welcome to study there. If there are no specific rules in place, it’s common courtesy to order something periodically.
Koffiestation
The Koffiestation has two locations in Groningen, one in the Oude Kijk in t’ Jatstraat, across from the Harmony building, and one in Bookshop Riemer on the Turfsingel.
Recently, they have put up a rule that at the Oude Kijk in the Jat location, you’re only allowed to study before 11:00 or after 16:00. The location also doesn’t have power outlets. However, the location in bookshop Riemer is much bigger and quieter, and you’re welcome to study there whenever you want.
Douwe Egberts cafe
Douwe Egberts, located in the Brugstraat and the Rode Weeshuisstraat, charges customers €1.80 per hour, on top of their order. Keep in mind that this doesn’t just apply to laptops, even if you’re just sitting at the table for longer than an hour the fee is applicable.
Starbucks
The Starbucks at the Herestraat or train station are both very suitable for studying. The latter location has an especially nice atmosphere and aesthetic. Here it doesn’t matter as much if you just go on one coffee as it’s mostly people going in and out, which is also why it’s usually pretty quiet.
The Herestraat location is usually a bit busier, but it’s quite big so it shouldn’t be difficult to find a more secluded spot. When the weather’s nice it’s even possible to sit outside, if you’re not distracted by the people walking by.
Uurwerker
The Uurwerker, located right next to the Harmony building, has a special study area which can be used for group projects or solo studying. It’s not too busy but it’s a bit more casual than a fully quiet library. They’re open all day and it’s also a good spot to have a small study break.
Other cafés suitable for stuyding are Food Matterz (Oude Ebbingestraat), Room (Rodeweg), Chocholate Company (Oude ebbingestraat), Coffee Break (zuiderdiep), Barista Cafe (Astraat and Dierenriemstraat), 30ML (Oude Ebbingestraat), Doppio (Brugstraat), and Luhu (Munnekeholm).