Ah, the University Library (UB). It’s got the books, the silence (mostly), and that satisfying “I’m working hard” vibe. But let’s be real: sometimes you can’t find a spot in time, are just running late, or need a change of scenery (or a place where you’re not breathing in the collective stress of 500 other students). So, where else can you open up your laptop & books and pretend to be productive?

Here are 5 different spots that make us genuinely want to study!

1. Public Libraries of Groningen: 

We all know the UB and Forum, but did you know there are more libraries around town? Yep, Groningen has a ton of them. You can look up Openbare Bibliotheek (translation: Public Library) and find a few around Groningen! There’s one in Vinkhuizen, De Wijert, and Selward. They use Eduroam, so you know you’re always connected ;).

2. Literaire Cafés: Just romanticising our hardships

Groningen has a few spots that blend literature and caffeine: also known as the literary cafes. Going here will make you feel like the main character of a coming-of-age film, studying and sipping on a cappuccino, surrounded by books. These cafes have a warm, welcoming aura and are (in some cases) also open until later in the night, so you can make up for the time you lost procrastinating during the day! :p

3. Faculty Buildings: The “I guess this will do” option

Honestly, faculty buildings are often overlooked as study spots, but they can be a great place to get work done (especially if you like an empty hallway or a random corner desk). They are quiet enough, and studying in your faculty building during exams just feels like a full-circle moment.

Bonus: no UB-level chaos. Downside: You might accidentally run into your professor when you’re supposed to be “sick” and unable to attend class (but in reality, you needed to catch up on your syllabus).

4. Your Home: This could be the best or the worst decision ever

POV: You have your own comfy chair, a fridge full of snacks, and zero judgment from anyone when you take 17 mini breaks to scroll through TikTok. There's also the temptation of your bed and the fact that your housemates are probably busy doing something way more fun.

It’s murky territory.

However, if you can resist the trance of your cozy blanket, home can be a surprisingly good study spot: in your PJs, always near a charging point, & the calm of your own space! Just make sure to take actual study breaks and not the kind where you “accidentally” spend an hour on YouTube (real).

5. Studying with friends at one of your places:

Okay, this might sound counterproductive, BUT HEY, we always make plans for group studies! At least, at one of your homes, you won’t get the bombastic side-eye you get when you walk out of a UB Studio because you were laughing too loud in there, and everybody could hear you from the outside (what a nightmare! x_x).

PS: it’s always fun to study and suffer together.

The UB, of course, has its own charm. Whether it is the silence, the collective struggle of exam season, or even just the hope of seeing your crush on the 4th floor; sometimes you just don’t want to fuss over booking a seat and want a change of scenery!

Happy studying and good luck for this exam season. <3