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Why South College? Shaan Ali Remani
Moving Away From Home Jasmine Lynton
'Must Do's' of Durham Harriet Hurley-Sweeney
The Formal Tradition Amy Shuttleworth
Balls, Balls, Balls Jake Holding
The Day It Goes Down (South Day) Jake Holding
South Sports Spencer Taylor
South Societies Maisie James
The Hill Bars Annabelle Langley, Harriet Hurley-Sweeney
The Bailey Bars Annabelle Langley, Harriet Hurley-Sweeney
Life Without Alcohol Louise Mather
South On The Map Adeline Cheung
The Durham Dictionary Mia Stevens
Durham's Best Study Spots Jasmine Lynton
Working While At Durham Phoenix Bailey
O Great Oswald, Bless Our Show Jake Holding
South On The Compass Jagoda Szalewicz
A Musical Touch Charlotte Clipston
The Nest Annabelle Langley
Winter Ball Elizabeth Kalusova
5th October 2024 | Jasmine Lynton
Durham's Best Study Spots
Durham is equipped with fantastic places to study. Whether you’re wanting a quiet corner to focus or a more relaxed setting, this city has you covered. Here are some of my personal favourite spots as someone starting third year.
The Bill Bryson Library
The Bill Bryson Library, more commonly known as the ‘Billy B’ is often the first choice for Durham students when they are looking for a place to concentrate. Conveniently located on the main campus it is perfect for studying between lectures, as well as long study sessions.
The Billy B has an extensive collection of books and digital resources, along with a café to power you through your work. There are areas specifically catered to silent studying, and other spots which would be perfect for studying alongside friends. A great advantage of studying in the Billy B is the group study rooms, which are particularly useful for group projects.
Probably the main perk of studying in the Bill Bryson is the extended opening hours during exam season.
This is perfect for night owls who do their best work in the later hours, or those of you who may have forgotten a deadline and have to do some last minute cramming!
Palace Green Library
If you’re needing a study spot with a bit of character, the Palace Green Library is just what you’re looking for. Nestled between the cathedral and the castle, and part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, this library gives you an opportunity to study in a beautiful, historic environment – encouraging you to do your best work!
Despite its smaller size compared to the Billy B, the Palace Green Library’s charm lies in its peaceful and historical atmosphere. Even if isn’t your go-to study spot, you should definitely give it a shot as you might find that it becomes one of your favourite places to escape for a quiet, focused study session.
Cafes
There are a plentiful amount of cafés located in the city centre. Sometimes a cosy atmosphere with a coffee is just what is needed to fuel your work. From Flat White to the Coffee House Durham, these spots provide the perfect blend of a relaxed setting and a studious environment. Most of the cafés will offer wi-fi meaning you can still crack on with online work whilst enjoying a hot beverage and a sweet treat!
The Library Bar is a fantastic spot to go for drinks in the evening, but it is also open during the day. It makes a great study spot, particularly if you want a more relaxed study session with some friends. It serves a range of hot drinks alongside alcoholic beverages meaning you can enjoy refreshments whilst studying.
My personal favourite café spot to study in is Caffè Nero as I find it to be quiet the majority of the time and the lighting offers a good ambiance.
However, I may be slightly biased as I am a huge fan of their iced lattes…
College Libraries
One of the perks of being at a University with a collegiate system is the access you have to your college’s individual library. Each college typically has its own library, providing a quieter, smallerscale alternative. As well as often being much less busy than the Billy B and the Palace Green Library, these libraries are also a very convenient place to study for those living in college.
College libraries often create a cosy and familiar environment.
Offering a more personal atmosphere where you’re likely to see familiar faces might make your college library the ideal study zone for you. The smaller scale and more personal touch may feel less intimidating than studying in an area with large crowds, and I certainly recommend making use of your college library if you are feeling particularly anxious or overwhelmed.
I hope these recommendations are useful in helping you find your perfect study spot in Durham. Whether you prefer the quiet focus of a library, or a cosy corner in a café, there is something here for everyone. Happy studying! ∎
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