🎓 Looking for Productive Study Spots at Queen's? We've got you covered!

Nhi Nguyen
Nov 12
2 min read

If you walk through Queen’s campus on any weekday, you’ll see students tucked away in cozy corners, balancing coffee cups and laptops, or chatting quietly between study breaks. With so many beautiful spaces to choose from, we decided to take it to the streets and ask:

💬 “What’s your favourite study spot at Queen’s?”

Here’s what we found out from some real Gaels, along with a few tried-and-true campus favourites you might want to check out next time you’re hunting for that perfect study nook.

🏛️ 1. Stauffer Library — The Classic Choice

If you ask any Queen’s student where they spend most of their study hours, you’ll probably hear “Stauffer” within seconds.

📣 “It’s where productivity just hits differently. Once I’m in Stauffer, I know it’s time to get serious.” - Mia, a second-year economics student.

Stauffer Library, with its tall windows and open study areas, is the heartbeat of academic life at Queen’s.

Whether you’re cramming for midterms or working on a group project, it’s got the perfect mix of quiet zones, collaborative rooms, and caffeine-fueled energy from the nearby Tim Hortons.

Vibe: Serious study mode with a side of academic hustle.

Pro tip: Head upstairs for a quieter atmosphere, or grab a window seat for natural light and people-watching.

📚 2. Douglas Library (Joseph S. Stauffer Wing) — For the Aesthetic Learner

Don’t confuse this with Stauffer — the Joseph S. Stauffer Wing of Douglas Library (often just called “Douglas” by locals) is a different kind of vibe.

📣 “It feels like Hogwarts, I love the old wooden desks and high ceilings. It makes studying feel kind of romantic”, said Josh - an exchange student from Belgium.

Douglas Library is perfect if you love that classic, old-school academic feel. The historic architecture and peaceful atmosphere make it ideal for reading-heavy days or essay-writing marathons.

Vibe: Old-world academia meets cozy concentration.

Pro tip: The Reading Room is one of the quietest places on campus — perfect for deep focus.

☕ 3. John Deutsch University Centre (JDUC) — The Social Study Spot

If you’re looking for a more casual space to balance work and social time, the JDUC is your go-to. Recently renovated, it’s a lively student hub filled with comfy seating, group tables, and food options nearby.

📣 “I like studying here between classes because it’s relaxed, you can grab a snack, chat with friends, and still get things done,” says Claire, a third-year psychology student.

The JDUC is where you’ll find the pulse of campus life, from club meetings to study sessions to last-minute essay crunches before deadlines.

Vibe: Chill, social, and perfect for people who get energized by background buzz.

Pro tip: Pair your study session with a coffee run from Common Grounds nearby — it’s a student favourite.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a morning studier, a night owl, or a coffee-dependent note-taker, Queen’s has the perfect study spot for every kind of learner.

The best advice? Try them all. You might start your semester in Stauffer’s structured calm, find your flow in Douglas’ historic charm, and wrap it up at JDUC surrounded by friends and chatter.

Let us know your favourite study spot!

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